Mumbai FC have the upper hand over Shillong Lajong

by Vidhi Shah April 3, 2015

The Hero I- League embarks on game week number 14 and Friday will see Mumbai FC playing hosts to the men from North- East, Shillong Lajong for an evening encounter at the Cooperage stadium.

Mumbai are coming into this fixture on the back of a 3-1 defeat to Salgaocar, a result that ended their 6-match unbeaten streak. On the other hand, Shillong drew their last match against Sporting Goa and will be eager for a win as they are just placed a spot above the relegation zone.

Although, Khalid Jamil’s troops have faltered when travelling, their story at home is absolutely different. They have effectively made the refurbished Cooperage Stadium an exclusive fortress and thus it’ll be a tough challenge for T. Singto’s men to notch up a positive result.

A win could secure Mumbai FC the sixth position on the league table above Kingfisher East Bengal.

Mumbai will regain the services of  mid-fielder Sampath Kuttimani but the Under- 23 Jayesh Rane, fondly referred to as the Indian Neymar by the home fans will miss this fixture. The presence of Taisuke Matsugae, the Japanese playmaker is also doubtful.

Nonetheless, the hosts will start off as favourites and look to grab the 3 points at stake. Leading goal scorer Josimar Martins will be in action yet again while the first choice keeper Nidhin Lal is also set for a start replacing Kunaal Sawant who was on duty against Salgaocar.

When it comes to Shillong Lajong, they will bank on their marquee player Cornell Glen for the attack. However, a major problem for them is that Under-23 keeper TP Rehenesh is not available for this fixture, while the other keeper Vishal Kaith earned a red card against Sporting, so all eyes will be on Kunzang Bhutia.

Shillong have been practicing at Cooperage since Tuesday but come Friday and they will have to not only battle out the strong home team but their equally loyal supporters who come in huge numbers to support their side!