Pune, May 27 (IANS): Dempo are desperately looking for a win to defend their I-League title when they face Pune FC in the 25th round at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi here Friday.
But for jet-lagged Dempo, who arrived from Iraq Wednesday after bowing out of the AFC Cup with a solitary goal loss to Duhok, it will be a tough task.
Pune FC coach Derrick Pereira said: "The game is more about us than Dempo. For, we still have our sights to get that top-5 position."
But Pereira knows that Dempo will be a motivated side.
"As a team they are experienced and matured. Add the fact that they are fighting for the title and all I can say is the game will be tough and to beat them will be tougher. So basically we have our task cut out," he said.
Pune go into the game with two major concerns -- striker Edmar Figueira, is down with a hamstring injury and is unlikely to be fielded, while left-wing back Gurjinder Kumar is out with a double booking. With Edmar unlikely to play Subhash Singh is the option upfront.
"It's our last a home match and we want to finish on a positive. There is not much pressure as realistically it is their run to the title. Our aim will be to win undoubtedly and for that go out enjoy the game and force the maximum," said Pereira.
"Winning will be important for it will give our fans reason to cheer about and come back in numbers the same way as they did this year as well," he added.