Pune: Defending champions Churchill Brothers have had a bad start to the 2013/14 season and that is something Pune FC will try to take advantage of when the two teams meet in the Round 5 match of the Airtel I-League at the Balewadi Sports Complex on Saturday.
Pune FC’s Dutch coach Mike Snoei has had a remarkable opening to the season, winning two and drawing one match to be at the second position with seven points, while Churchill Brothers’ Mariano Dias is struggling to keep the team’s morale on a high after two losses and as many draws in the four rounds they have played.
Churchill, languishing at the number 11 spot in the table this season, have got better of Pune FC in their last three meetings, twice at this same ground and once at home, but the current Pune FC set up is deemed to be well knit to take on the Goan challenge.
Pune FC Academy graduate Thongkhosiem Haokip made a memorable debut on home ground against Mohun Bagan last week and he is thought to remain Snoei’s key player when the Dutchman picks the playing eleven against Churchill Brothers.
Haokip reveled in the company of Spanish-Australian striking combination of Raul Fabiani and James Meyer. Both Meyer and Fabiani are making their debut in India thanks to Snoei and the two so far have shown sheer professionalism throughout.
Playmaker Calum Angus too played a crucial role in getting the team where it is now, setting up precise free-kicks to leave the opposition at wits end. Othallo Tabia too is in good form as he has kept the defence intact while taking the pressure off the goalkeeper.
Churchill, on the other hand, have been unlucky on the scoring department this season. In their last four matches, the club have scored just one goal.
The striking force of Amad Ahmad Al Kaddour, Henry Antchouet, Balwant Singh and Bineesh Balan have struggled to get past the opposition defence on so many occasions.
In the last match against Rangdajied United FC, it was Balwant who scored an equalizer, otherwise Churchill have been found wanting all through.
A win for Pune FC on the morrow will take them to the top of the table.