Bengaluru face tricky Punjab challenge

Bengaluru: The message from Bengaluru FC head coach Renedy Singh was loud and clear: "Give your 100 per cent and push till the final whistle".In the shortened Indian Super League season, with just 13 matches per team, there is no room for error. The Blues have collected four points -- one win and a draw -- from the first two games, but there is scope for improvement as they face Punjab FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium here on Friday.
The home team, who might have conceded just one goal, did not look great while defending set pieces. With India defender Rahul Bheke's availability still a concern, after his knee niggle, the backline has to be on top of their game against a determined Punjab side. They need to be clinical in the final third as well, but Renedy stressed on the importance of coming up with an improved show at the back."Our defending has to be a lot better. All the chances that the opponent created (so far) were from throw ins, corners and free kicks. We have to improve on our set-piece defending, which is a big part in football," Renedy said.Bengaluru might have the edge at home with established players in their ranks, including Ashique Kuruniyan, Naorem Roshan, Chinglensana Singh, and Ryan Williams among others. Add the former India captain Sunil Chhetri, who came from the bench in both the games, and new signing Braian Sanchez, BFC have a formidable side.Irrespective of how the two teams sit on paper, Renedy just wants his players to give their best. "I want our players fighting out for every single ball, defending and attacking well. We have to play as if tomorrow is the last match. If the players give 100 per cent, then I'm ready to take whatever result," the 46-year-old gaffer added.On the other hand, Punjab will be keen to get off the mark after they lost 0-1 to Jamshedpur FC. The Shers, who knocked out the Blues in the Super Cup, will depend on the services of Effiong Nsungusi up front and Dani Ramírez in midfield.On Thursday: FC Goa 1 (Dejan Drazic 43) bt Sporting Delhi 0. Today's matches: East Bengal vs Jamshedpur (5 pm), Bengaluru FC vs Punjab FC (7.30 pm).