I-League: Pune FC take on Salgaocar

Pune, April 17 (IANS) Pune FC will have to work hard if they are to stand a chance of finishing second in the I-League when they take on defending champions Salgaocar Sports Club Wednesday.

Pune FC have 43 points from 24 matches on point behind Mohun Bagan, Churchill Brothers and East Bengal, all tied on points while Salgaocar are on 40 points from 23 matches.

There are six teams who still have a chance to finish second and Pune FC stay one of them.

This is Pune FC's last match at home this season and after the demoralizing 0-2 loss to Churchill Brothers in their last match, Pune would be going all out to finish on a high at the Balewadi Sports Complex.

However, Coach Derreck Pereira stays reluctant in putting striker Jeje Lalpekhlua to test despite naming him in the squad of 18. Jeje has recovered from an injury but Pereira isn't willing to rush.

Pune FC will be without the services of experienced custodian Subrata Paul and left-wing back Gurjinder Kumar both of whom are serving a one-match ban for picking up two yellow cards in separate matches. On the other hand, central defender Caitano Costa is also out with a hamstring injury.

Salgaocar will miss three key players due to injury -- the attacking duo of Chidi Edeh and Ryuji Seyoka and former AIFF Player-of-the-Year Tomba Singh won't be playing.