Mumbai City FC look to pass tough Kerala Blasters test in Kochi

by Siddharth Yadav October 10, 2015

Mumbai City FC set to rejuvenate their Indian Super League campaign when they travel to Kochi for one of the most anticipated fixture of Indian Super League against Kerala Blasters.

The Blasters who won their first match of this season by 3-1 against North East United in front of jubilant 60000 fans at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi, Whereas, Mumbai City FC succumbed against their arch rivals FC Pune City 3-1 at Balewadi Complex in Pune.

Players who were on National duties are all set to return for this clash which will make this tie more exciting and thrilling at least.

India’s most expensive defender, Mohun Bagan’s Sandesh Jhingan is set to return against Mumbai City which will boost Kerala Blasters. Marquee player and Ex Spanish defender Carlos Marchena is still struggling to gain fitness and will be most probably ruled out for the Blasters.

CK Vineeth, Josu Prieto and Rahul Bheke will start against Mumbai City following their brilliant performance against North East United in their opening match.

Kerala Blasters will play with three defenders at the back, Sandesh Jhingan, Marcus Williams and Peter Rampage are the most likely starters for the South Indian outfits.

East Bengal’s Mehtab Hossain and Peter Carvalho will start in front of the defence with Rahul Bheke and CK Vineeth playing on each flanks.

Sanchez Watt and Chris Dagnall will be paired up front with Josu Prieto supporting them.

For Mumbai City FC Sunil Chhetri, India’s Captain has returned from National duties and will be place right up front with Frederic Piquionne, who was the only scorer for the Mumbaikars in their 3-1 lost to arch rivals, FC Pune City.

Mumbai City’s poor finishing against Pune City cost them the game, tonight with their star striker Sunil Chhetri returning, it would be actually surprising if Mumbai City fails to finish their chances off.

Brandon Fernandes who was injured for their match against FC Pune City might get playing time in the second half. Same goes for their player cum manager Nicolas Anelka who might bring himself in earlier and boost Mumbai City’s attack.

Sonny Norde and Gabriel Fernandes will start on either wings with last year star player for Mumbai City, Andre Moritz will be supporting Sunil Chhetri and Frederic Piquionne by playing just behind them.

The back line of Mumbai City will be same as Ashutosh Mehta, Pavel Cmovs, Frantz Bertin and local player Keegan Pereira are all set to start with Albino Gomes on goal.

Possible Line-ups:

Kerala Blasters FC (3-5-2): Stephen Bywater, Sandesh Jhingan, Marcus Williams, Peter Ramage, Rahul Bheke, C.K Vineeth, Peter Carvalho, Mehtab Hossain, Josu Prieto, Sanchez Watt, Chris Dagnall

Mumbai City FC (4-3-3): Albino Gomes, Ashutosh Mehra, Frantz Bertin, Pavel Cmovs, Keegan Pereira, Juan Aguilera, Gabriel Fernandes, Sony Norde, Andre Moritz, Sunil Chhetri, Frédéric Piquionne

Prediction:

Kerala Blasters 2-1 Mumbai City FC