Attack-minded Mumbai FC eyeing East Bengal scalp
Mumbai FC host Kingfisher East Bengal at Cooperage in the second round of the Hero I-League on Sunday evening. Mumbai FC will be hoping to get their home campaign underway with a win, but it will be easier said than done against a quality opponent like East Bengal who already have an away win under their belt this season.
Mumbai FC lost just twice at Cooperage last term, but Khalid Jamil will be looking to better their four wins at home in the last campaign and a win against East Bengal would be the perfect start to Build Cooperage as a fortress.
Form Guide
If form is used to gauge the two teams, there will be no separating the two teams. East Bengal were rampant in their run to the Calcutta Football League title, before starting the Hero I-League campaign with a 3-1 away win against Sporting Club de Goa.
Mumbai FC too are top of the MDFA Elite Division and are unbeaten in their last eight I-League matches. Mumbai FC’s last two home games ended in the home side picking up maximum points, with the first one coming against tomorrow’s opponents East Bengal
Team News
Mumbai FC have no injury concerns for the East Bengal game as revealed by Khalid Jamil ahead of the game. But the Mumbai FC Head Coach revealed that the Cooperage faithful might have to wait to get a glimpse of Japanese striker Ryuki Kozawa as the new Mumbai FC signing continues to build his match fitness.
Khalid Jamil stressed the need to attack East Bengal and has promised to make changes to the side that will help Mumbai FC to get on the front foot.
East Bengal will be without Cavin Lobo, Gurwinder Singh and Sehnaj Singh for the match against Mumbai FC after Biswajit Bhattacharya confirmed their absence. The East Bengal Head Coach also ruled out Bernard Mendy playing any part in tomorrow’s clash with the French defender yet to join the team.
Key Facts
- Mumbai FC have won their last three home games against East Bengal in the I-League and are unbeaten in four matches against the Red and Golds.
- East Bengal wins 70 per cent of matches when Ranti Martins gets on the score sheet.
Key Battles
Taisuke Matsugae vs Harmanjot Singh Khabra
The epic battle in the middle of the park will see Mumbai FC’s Japanese midfield maestro take on the industrious Harmanjot Singh Khabra who has been in really good form since the ISL. Taisuke is talismanic for Mumbai FC and all their five win last season came when Taisuke Matsugae played for the Mumbai side. Taisuke has the ability to score some crucial goals for Mumbai FC and is very much the heartbeat of the side.
Harmanjot Singh Khabra will have to keep an eye on Taisuke and try to shackle the vibrant Japanese midfielder. Khabra himself will pose a threat to Mumbai FC and Taisuke will have to nullify Khabra’s energy on the pitch.
Ranti Martins vs Min Chol Son
Ranti Martins, the I-League’s all time leading goal scorer is already off the mark for the season with a splendid brace away to Sporting Club de Goa, that helped them overturn a 1-0 deficit into a 3-1 win. Ranti also scored in East Bengal’s 2-1 defeat at Cooperage last season and will once again be the main threat for Mumbai FC.
Min Chol Son had a steady game playing at center half against Shillong Lajong as Mumbai FC came away with a credible point away from home. Min Chol Son will probably face the toughest test of his short Mumbai FC career on Sunday when he will be up against Ranti Martins. Son will have to track Martins and prevent him from escaping his clutches. If Son can succeed in keeping Ranti Martins quiet, Mumbai FC would go a long way towards winning the game.
Predictions
Prediction
Mumbai FC 2-1 East Bengal
“This team has worked for 1 year 10 months together to mark their statement” Head Coach Of Mumbai City FC U19 – Mohan Dass
In an Exclusive Interview with Mumbai City FC Coach Mohan Suresh Dass, we take a look into the Mumbai City FC U19’s triumphant journey in the MFA Super League The…
Undefeated MYJ GMSC lead the Reliance Foundation Development League – Mumbai Region
The Mumbai Leg of Reliance developmental league regional round kicked off last week, and its MYJ GMSC who have race to the top of the table. MYJGMSC are currently the…
Blue Tigers miss chances to settle for a draw against Afghanistan
Afghanistan 0drew withIndia 0 ABHA, SAUDI ARABIA: India played out a goalless draw against hosts Afghanistan at the Damac Stadium in Abha, Saudi Arabia, in their third FIFA World Cup 2026…
Indian Super League / Transfer News
Chennaiyin FC defender Bijay Chhetri signs for Uruguayan club
Bijay Chhetri becomes the first Indian player to sign with Latin American club after he joins Uruguayan club Colon Futbol Club on loan. The 22-year-old rising Indian footballer Bijay Chhetri…
India suffer shock defeat against Afghanistan
GUWAHATI: India’s quest for a place in the third round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualifiers suffered a serious jolt when they went…
Blue Tigers ready to pounce on Afghanistan in chock-a-block Guwahati Stadium
GUWAHATI: The Indian senior men’s team will look to pocket full points as they take on Afghanistan in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualification…
Odisha FC: The newly-crowned queens of Indian women’s football
NEW DELHI: Odisha FC Women had a dream to chase when the club was formed 20 months ago. And for dreamers, they knew, hard facts are never an obstacle. So, they…
India U23 draw with Malaysia in second friendly tie
NEW DELHI: The India Under-23 Men’s National Team drew 1-1 with the hosts Malaysia Under-23 team in their second friendly match at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on…
AIFF to felicitate Sunil Chhetri on his 150th International for the Blue Tigers
NEW DELHI: The All India Football Federation will felicitate Indian Senior Men’s Team captain Sunil Chhetri, who is expected to play his 150th Senior International match in the FIFA World Cup…
Goalkeeper Elangbam Chanu signs for Australian club Metro United WFC
Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, the Indian Womens team Goalkeeper becomes the first Indian player to play in Australian League after signing for Metro United WFC. Elangbai Panthoi Chanu the Indian Keeper…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…