Sports
oi-Pti
Pune, February 25: Pune FC should be cautious of an in-form Viva Kerala in the event that they wish to lengthen their three-game unbeaten streak within the I-League.
Viva’s 7-1 residence win towards Air India, by the way the largest margin of victory within the league, will need to have given them a much-needed enhance forward of their Spherical 16 conflict towards Derrick Pereira’s boys on the turf of Balewadi sports activities advanced right here tomorrow.
Nonetheless, one issue that will play on Viva’s thoughts is their incapability to pressure a win in away video games.
Of their six away matches, Viva have suffered 4 defeats whereas two have resulted in attracts.
Pune FC are at the moment in ninth place and have performed one sport lower than Viva, mendacity twelfth with 11 factors.
The house facet will play after a 21-day break and, in line with Pereira, the break has helped injured gamers get well.
“The period was perfect for injured players to recover and others to concentrate after starting the season early,” Pereira stated.
Pune FC are set to be bolstered by the return of striker Mandjou Keita, who tore a hamstring within the group’s final residence sport towards Indian Arrows right here.
Aside from Keita, midfielder Okay Ajayan who did not make the lower towards Mohun Bagan in Kolkata on account of issues has additionally recovered.
“You can’t underestimate any team. We have to approach the game with the right attitude, which is to play to win,” stated Pereira.
After beating Viva twice final season, Pune took benefit of Sunil Kumar’s stoppage-time equalizer when Viva performed towards the hosts.
“Viva is a young full-back, good on the wings and has a very organized defence. And with midfielder NP Pradeep joining them, Viva cannot be taken lightly,” Pereira warned.
PTI
Article first printed: Saturday, February 26, 2011, 0:00 [IST]