*Sporting Clube de Goa face Bengaluru test *
Sporting Clube de Goa will take on current champions Bengaluru FC in round 8 of the HERO I-League at PJN Stadium, Fatorda, in Goa on Saturday. The kick off time is 4.30pm. Sporting Goa are still seeking their first win of the season having collected just 3 points after six games with three draws and three losses, which has left them currently bottom of the standings. On the flipside, Bengaluru are currently riding high in fourth place with 10 points, after having won three, drawn one and lost three. In Sporting Goa’s last game they were held to a 1-1 draw by Pune, despite dominating proceedings. “It has taken us time to find our form, but after the last performance I am sure my players will rise to the occasion against Bengaluru,” stated Sporting Goa Coach Mathew Costa. Bengaluru were defeated 1-4 by Mohun Bagan in their last league match which ended a three game run of clean sheets. Bengaluru’s defence will be boosted by the return of their tough tackling defender Curtis Osana who was suspended for that tie. In midweek Bengaluru comfortably overcame Maziya of the Madilves 2-1 in the AFC Cup which did their confidence the world of good. Marquee midfielder Joshua Walker pulled up with a hamstring problem and is set to miss this game. A whole host of Indian national team probables will be on show, giving them an opportunity to make a final impression on India Coach Stephen Constantine, before the squad is pruned down further. Five Bengaluru stars, namely Keegan Pereira, Rino Antao, Eugenson Lyngdoh, Sunil Chetri and Robin Singh are on the India seniors list, while Shankar Sampingiraj, Siam Hangal, Udanta Singh are for the U-23 camp. Sporting Goa defender Sandesh Jhingan has been shortlisted for the Indian senior team probables, while Ravi Kumar, Mauvin Borges, Sumeet Passi and Brandon Fernandes have been called up for the U-23 team camp. Although Brandon is still out injured and is set to miss this game. The two sides have met four times in the past with Bengaluru winning three games while the other was a draw. PHOTO: Sporting Clube de Goa training ahead of the big game at Don Bosco, Panjim. -- CONNECT WITH US: www.sportingclubedegoa.com www.sportingclubedegoa.wordpress.com www.facebook.com/sportingclubedegoa.officialpage www.twitter.com/sportingoa -- CONNECT WITH US: www.sportingclubedegoa.com www.sportingclubedegoa.wordpress.com www.facebook.com/sportingclubedegoa.officialpage www.twitter.com/sportingoa
