Having made a positive start in the second edition of the Indian Super League (ISL), FC Pune City and Atletico de Kolkata will both aim to keep their momentum going when the two sides face-off at the Balewadi Sports Complex here on Saturday.
Defending champions Atletico de Kolkata are currently placed at the top of the points table with seven points from three games, having won against Chennaiyin FC, Kerala Blasters FC and drawn against FC Goa.
Whereas, home side Pune are placed in the third position with six points from three matches, having won against Mumbai City FC, NorthEast United FC and lost against Delhi Dynamos FC.
It will be the fourth consecutive home match for Pune on Friday and the side under English coach David Platt, who has used his experience to good effect in the first two matches, will hope to re-group after their loss and sneak out a win against a strong Atletico side.
The side will be boosted by the arrival of young Indian players Eugenesin Lyngdoh and Jackichand Singh who missed the first three games due to their national commitments.
Former Turkey striker Tuncay Sanli, who starred for Pune in the first match netting a brace, will hold the key upfront along with Israil Gurung who has provided important assists that led to Pune's goals.
On the other hand, going into the contest, ATK are a bit depleted, especially with marquee player Helder Postiga returning back to Portugal for treating a hamstring strain sustained during the first match.
But the side will be boosted by the presence of Indian forward Baljit Sahni and several youngsters wanting to make a name for themselves.
However, foreigners like Iain Hume and Javi Lara need to rise to the occasion and deliver if Atletico are to win against Pune who have displayed their skills and agility to win twice.
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