Bengaluru: Albert Roca's Bengaluru FC return to Indian Super League duties once again as they host NorthEast United at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, in Bengaluru, on Friday. Returning from Bhutan after playing out a goalless draw in the first of their AFC Cup Preliminary Stage games against Transport United, the Spaniard believes that the visitors' League position is a poor reflection of the threat and quality they possess in their ranks.
"We approach every game with a certain degree of caution but not at the cost of compromising on our philosophy, and this game won't be any different. A lot has changed for NorthEast United off the pitch, and I know they will give us a hard time tomorrow," said Roca on the eve of the game.
Our goalkeepers pulled off some stunning saves in training earlier today, ahead of the big game against @NEUtdFC at the Fortress tomorrow. #BENNEU #WeAreBFC pic.twitter.com/NcanU04MDH
— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) January 25, 2018
Buoyed by the appointment of Avram Grant as head coach until the end of the season, NorthEast hit the ground running, winning two out of three matches played with the Israeli manager at the helm and currently sit 9th on the table with 10 points. Ex-Blue Seiminlen Doungel has been the focal point of their gameplay having netted four of the five goals since.
The Blues' boss said he was wary of the danger posed by NEUFC, who came out on top against third-placed Chennaiyin FC and fourth-placed FC Goa in recent weeks. "NorthEast have been growing in confidence as the tournament has progressed and I haven't been surprised at all. We had to grind out a win when we played them in Guwahati and that game was an indicator of how tough a side they can be." Roca said.
He tried his best but this wall mannequin just wouldn't join @John6Johnson for lunch! #BENNEU #WeAreBFC pic.twitter.com/YzaLsuE64W
— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) January 25, 2018
Bengaluru came away 1-0 winners in the away leg of this fixture when striker Miku shot home a second-half winner.
Having travelled with a heavily-rested squad to Bhutan, Roca will turn back to the team that has started most games through the season. As many as eleven regular first-choice players stayed back in Bengaluru in a move the Spaniard said he had to make given the Blues' hectic schedule.
"We couldn't get the job done in Bhutan but I'm happy that the boys who stayed back managed to get enough rest. The travel and conditions were hectic, and it would not have been possible for the team to take the pitch 100% against NorthEast United if everyone would have traveled."
Ahead of the Blues' Republic Day clash against @NEUtdFC, defender @John6Johnson talks about the preparations and shares a special message for the fans. #BENNEU #WeAreBFC pic.twitter.com/U14kA4zD7o
— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) January 25, 2018
A win on Friday would send the Blues back to the summit of the League table, with FC Pune City having leapfrogged them following a win over Jamshedpur on Wednesday.
In team news, midfielder Edu Garcia has completely recovered from an injury that kept him on the bench against Mumbai City FC. However, Dimas Delgado is a bit of a doubt with a sore calf and Roca said he would leave the decision on including the Spaniard, late.
Bengaluru FC vs NorthEast United FC
Indian Super League
Live from Sree Kanteerava Stadium
At 8 pm (Friday, January 26)
On Star Sports 2 and Hotstar
Source: BFC Media