Bengaluru FC will aim to regain the top spot in the points table when they take on a resurgent NorthEast United FC in an Indian Super League (ISL) clash at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium here on Friday.
Bengaluru have been setting the pace on the points table in this season's ISL. They have gone from strength to strength as the season has progressed and are among the front runners to seal a spot in the ISL play-offs.
They are currently at the second place on the league table with 21 points from 11 matches. They are just one point shy of league leaders FC Pune City while former champions Chennaiyin FC are third with 20 points from 11 matches.
However, Bengaluru coach Albert Roca will be aware that the job is not yet done when you have five other teams breathing down your neck.
Bengaluru had to work hard for a solitary goal victory against NorthEast when the two sides met in the first leg in Guwahati earlier in the season and Roca is anticipating another tough challenge from the visitors.
"We had to grind out a win in Guwahati and that game was an indicator of how tough a side they can be. A lot has changed for them off the pitch too and I know they will give us a hard time," the Spanish coach said.
"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. NorthEast have been growing in confidence as the tournament has progressed and I haven't been surprised at all," he added.
NorthEast United pulled off an inspiring 3-1 victory over former champions Chennaiyin FC in their last outing, and Bengaluru will not want to suffer a similar fate with several other teams hot on their heals.
At the moment, there are only three points separating table toppers Pune and fourth placed FC Goa, who have 19 points to their credit.
Bengaluru does not want to settle for anything less than victories in their remaining matches in order to assure themselves of a place in the play-offs.
"Looking at how tight the top half of the table is, I would say 21 more points from the remaining seven games," Roca said.
Bengaluru are facing a gruelling schedule, having returned late on Wednesday night from an AFC Cup match in Bhutan. They are scheduled to play five games over the next 14 days.
"The calendar is very hectic on us, but this is a situation we cannot control. We are at a stage where every game is vital if we are to seal a spot in the semis. Fortunately, I have a squad that is willing to step up when called upon," Roca said.
The trip to Bengaluru FC will be Avram Grant's first away game as the head coach of NorthEast United. The former Chelsea manager is quite hopeful that his side can pull off a win.
"I have seen them on television. They are a good team and I like the way they play. But as we have shown in our last match that we have the ability to win games," Grant said.
North East United are currently nine points off the top four places with just eight more games left in the season. They are currently second from bottom in the 10-team table with 10 points from as many matches.
Grant is however, determined to make it to the play-offs.
"Of course at the start of the season, the objective was a place in the top four. But now we just need to do the right thing. With so many points behind we just need to focus on the next game," he said.
--IANS
ajb/bg
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