USFC to fight to win against Pune FC on Saturday

GANGTOK, 04 Jan: With a morale-sapping 9 points from 12 matches, United Sikkim FC is down to the last position in the I-League table and will be thirsting to win against Pune FC in its home ground on 05 January in a crucial I-League match at Paljor Stadium.
Pune FC, on the other hand, will be looking to maintain its winning momentum and consolidate its rise in the I-League table. The two clubs had played against each other earlier on 24 November at Pune where the match had ended in a 2-2 draw.
“Pune FC is a very good team and the only side which has defeated all the Goan clubs in Goa. But they are not undefeatable. We have no other option but to win all our home matches if we are to survive our first season in I-League. There is no option but to win tomorrow. Yes it is a tough asking but our boys will give hundred percent in the ground”, said United Sikkim manager Arunava Bhattacharya.
United Sikkim will be drawing confidence from its away match against Pune FC. The Snow Lions had dominated the match but was unlucky to collect only one point.
“We deserved to win that match having been the better side. I think in most of the matches we have played well but due to our inexperience and bad luck, we could not collect the full three points. The players are confident as they remember that match”, said midfielder Thupden Tshering Bhutia.
Pune FC coach Derrick Pereira was also unsure on the shape of United Sikkim because of the change in the coaching regime. Australian Nathan Hall has recently taken charge of United Sikkim as its new coach.
“Though we have played our home match against United Sikkim, we don’t know what kind of style our opponents will be playing tomorrow as they have got a new coach. We haven’t seen them play under the new coach. We will wait and watch”, said Mr Pereira.
On whether Saturday’s clash is a mismatch given the form of Pune FC, Mr Pereira said: “Every team has to be respected. Every team is tough for us. United Sikkim has played some good matches but was held back due to lack of experience. We cannot underestimate them”.
Pune FC is undecided on whether to field its star striker Jeje Lalpekhlua tomorrow.
“Jeje was injured but has recovered. It will depend whether he can play or not tomorrow. We will be making a couple of changes in the side which played the previous match against Shillong Lajong”, said the Pune FC coach.
Regarding what tomorrow’s match would mean for the I-League title ambitions of Pune FC, he said: “It would do good for our standings if we win tomorrow but I don’t look into the table. I don’t want to put pressure on myself and my players. Right now we are a good side that can match any club. If God is willing, we will be in the contention but I will be looking into the standings only after the I-League ends”.
However, the Pune team went from strength to strength rising up to a joint second position in I-League while the Bhaichung Bhutia co-owned club is yet to register a second win in 12 matches eventually sinking to the 13th position.
Bhaichung would be missing tomorrow’s match due to a foot injury. Midfielder DG Attivi from Togo will also be missing in the match.