I-League 2015/16: Three reasons why Bengaluru FC will defeat Sporting Club de Goa tonight

Prediction: Bengaluru FC 2-0 Sporting Clube de Goa

1. Bengaluru FC’s home form

The last time Bengaluru FC suffered a home defeat in the I-League was at the beginning of last season. After losing to Pune FC 1-3 in January 2015, the Federation Cup champions have played nine matches, winning six and drawing three. In fact in the last nine home games, Bengaluru have scored a total of 21 goals and have conceded just seven. In that run of nine games, the 2013/14 champions also defeated Sporting 4-1 in their last meeting in March 2015.

It is highly unlikely to see the last year's finalists slipping up in a home game.

2. Sporting’s terrible record against Bengaluru

Sporting Club de Goa have never beaten Bengaluru FC in the I-League or in the Federation Cup. Both teams have clashed against each other six times in the past with Bengaluru winning five of them and one of them ending a goal-less draw. The team coached by Ashley Westwood has pumped in 17 goals in the six meetings against the Goans and have conceded six.

With Sporting going through an indifferent run this season with two defeats, one draw and one win, Bengaluru could add to their goal tally when the teams take on each other tonight.

3. Bengaluru have the better squad on field

Ashley Westwood’s team is full of seasoned players from Sunil Chhetri at the top to Curtis Osano and John Johnson at the back. Even without midfielder Eugeneson Lyngdoh, who suffered a hairline fracture to his fibula following a rash tackle against Mumbai FC, and striker Udanta Singh and defender Salam Ranjan Singh, who are away with the India U-23 squad, Bengaluru FC has enough depth to cope up with the absentees. The arrival of new signing Michael Collins in place of injured Josh Walker has added to Bengaluru’s strength.

On the other hand, Sporting will miss the services of midfielder Rowlin Borges and goalkeeper Kamaljit Singh, who are away with the India U-23 squad. With the attack struggling to score enough goals and the defence conceding plenty, coach Mateus Costa would be hoping for a miracle against the table toppers today.

Kick Off: 7.05pm

(Also Read: I-League 2015/16: Chhetri's strike helps Bengaluru edge East Bengal)