After a brilliantly secured win against FC Goa, we couldn’t quite bring our A game to the fore against Kerala Blasters in our second home game. While the curling ball from John Goossens and the resulting goal by David Trezeguet was world class, coach Colomba will surely expect more energy and flow from the midfield department when we face off against North East United on our home ground.North East United have had a good run of form in the season so far, especially with Spanish midfielder Koke claiming 2 goals and 1 assist already in the season so far. The Greek captain Kostas Katsouranis and robust Indian midfielder Mehrajuddin Wadoo will have their task cut out in this game as they try to stop the North East midfielders from getting into comfortable positions in counter attack.Losing possession quickly has hurt us bad in the previous games, and it is a surprise, when you look at the names in the midfield. Lenny Rodrigues, Mehrajuddin Wadoo are all proven Indian names in the fray and Kostas Katsouranis showed all what he is capable of, with his fantastic goal against FC Goa. Ivan Bolado Palacios has been a livewire on the field, making useful runs and providing the ball to David Trezeguet, and Ashutosh Mehta has been at equal ease on both the right and left flanks. These are areas that require Coach Franco Colomba’s attention, as he would like to leave Pune with a comfortable home win.The defence looks to be regaining composure recently, despite the 2 goals scored by Kerala Blasters. Bruno Cirillo has made some champion tackles, ably assisted by others in the defence. However, Emanuele Belardi’s injury in the previous match might be a concern. Arindam Bhattacharya, stepped in for him and did a commendable job in the last match and might be expected to do that again today.The interesting thing is, this being the first edition of the Hero ISL, Franco Colomba has not been shy of a little experimentation with the formation. The master tactician has played 3 different formations in the last 3 matches, with different players in the first XI. This not only breeds a healthy sense of confidence in the dressing room, but also springs up a surprise or two on the opposition. Case in point, the brilliant freekick by John Goossens that helped us take the lead against FC Goa. So, tomorrow, does Colomba go for Ivan to pair up with David Trezeguet or instead choose Indian experience in Dudu or Joaquim Abranches, will remain to be seen. Similarly, whether Anupam Sarkar gets the nod in defence over Park Kwang IL or Saidou Mady will be an interesting point of debate.Nevertheless, it is a mouthwatering contest on the store, with North East determined to finish this away leg unbeaten and FC Pune City eager to leave home town on a high!It’s blink and miss action and there is only one way you are not missing it! Book your tickets now on http:/bit.ly/1rbl28y or call on 07507577577!C’mon Pune! Let’s get behind our boys as they look back to get on winning ways!
