Beleaguered Mumbai FC looking to rise in the Champion’s Den

by Kaushal Shukla April 6, 2015

Mumbai FC who were at the wrong end of a 6-0 drubbing at the hands of Shillong Lajong at home on Friday don’t have it easy again on Tuesday, as they take on Champions Bengaluru FC at the Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru tomorrow.

Winless in four games, and having lost four out of their five away games, this season, Mumbai FC will draw inspiration from their unbeaten record against tomorrow opponents having drawn on each of their past three meetings.

Bengaluru FC are unbeaten in five I-League matches and have just lost one of their six home games this season. In their last game, Bengaluru FC twice came from behind to salvage a draw against Royal Wahingdoh at home, a team which Mumbai FC beat on their won patch.

The pressure will be firmly on the Champions in tomorrow’s game as a slip could see Mohun Bagan go out of sight with the Mariners already holding a three point lead over the Blues despite having played two games less.

But it will be a huge ask for Mumbai FC to get something out of the game especially with midfield maestro Taisuke Matsugae being a major doubt for the game as he recovers from a calf injury. Adding to Jamil’s woes, Justine Stephen who has played every minute of Mumbai FC’s season so far is likely to miss the game with a stomach problem along with Jayesh Rane who is still nursing a knock he suffered when on national duty with the India U-23s.

A win for Bengaluru FC will take them level on points with Mohun Bagan who play Shillong Lajong at the Barasat Stadium on Wednesday. While a Mumbai FC win could take them to the fifth spot temporarily if Salgaocar fail to get anything out of the game against Pune FC.

Coach Khalid Jamil was upbeat about his team’s chances despite the recent defeat and said that his side could spring up a surprise if they have little bit of luck on their side. “We have to forget what happened in the last match and look forward. We know it is going to be a tough game for us, but if we fight hard and have bit of luck then we can win tomorrow”.

Bengaluru Coach Ashley Westwood urged his side to keep piling up the pressure on run away leaders Mohun Bagan by winning all eight of their remaining games. “We need to focus on ourselves and keep winning. All we can do is win our eight games, which we are capable of and see where it takes us”.