Dogged Mumbai FC aim to halt Bengaluru’s march
Mumbai FC will look to be a thorn in Bengaluru FC’s flesh once again when the two sides meet in a highly anticipated clash at Cooperage on Wednesday evening. Ashley Westwood’s Bengaluru FC have hit the ground running in the 2016 I-League, but in their path lie Mumbai FC, a team whom they have failed to overcome in the four meetings between the clubs. But home advantage and an improved squad means the hosts Mumbai FC would look to better their four draws against Bengaluru FC and seek a win.
Kick-off Time, Venue, Live Telecast Information
Kick-off Time – 7 PM IST
Venue – Cooperage Stadium, Mumbai
Live Telecast – Ten Action Plus
Form Guide
The form guide of the two teams makes fairly similar reading and it just justifies the results the two clubs have had against each other. Mumbai FC are unbeaten in 10 I-League encounters and have won three out of their last five game in the I-League.
Bengaluru have had a longer unbeaten than Mumbai FC that stretches back to February 2015 when they came unstuck against Mohun Bagan in Kolkata. Since then Ashley Westwood’s men have gone 15 games without a defeat in the top flight. Bengaluru FC have a hundred per cent record in the I-League so far this season with wins in all the three games that have been played so far.
The form points to a very tight encounter which will need something special from some of the top players involved to win it for their respective teams. But home advantage could play a part as the artificial turf and the vocal home support could spur Mumbai FC to special performance on the night.
Team News
Mumbai FC will have Steven Dias available for selection once again after the winger sat out Sunday’s win over Salgaocar with an injury. But Head Coach Khalid Jamil confirmed that the player has overcome his injury problem to be in good shape ahead of the game. With three different line-ups in the three games so far, it will be interesting to see how Khalid Jamil’s sets up his side against the in-form Bengaluru FC. But there is little doubt that Mumbai FC would be playing for a draw with the team they have got and Khalid Jamil would field a team that would be capable of beating Bengaluru FC.
Bengaluru FC Head Coach Ashley Westwood would be keen to keep the winning combination going and spoke about his options in the attacking area ahead of the game.
It is expected that Bengaluru would stick with C.K. Vineeth and Kim Sing Yong upfront, but with the plethora of options at Westwood’s disposal a change wouldn’t be a surprise too.
Key Battles
Taisuke Matsugae vs Eugenson Lyngdoh
Taisuke once again showed how important he is to Mumbai FC. The Japanese scored a twenty five yard scorcher to hand Mumbai FC the lead in the first half, before putting in a shift in the second to ensure Mumbai FC get the full points from the game.
Eugenson Lyngdoh has grown in stature at Bengaluru FC and scored in the corresponding fixture last season. Lyngdoh will be a big threat to the Mumbai FC defence thanks to his eye for a pass, but will have to be very of Taisuke’s forward runs. Lyngdoh will need to escape from Taisuke’s tight marking and dictate the play of the game.
This midfield duel could prove to be pivotal as to which team controls a game better and if anyone of the two players can get one over the other, they will pretty much win their side the game.
Kim-Seng Yong vs Min Chol Son
The battle of the two Japanese born North Koreans will be the one to look forward to in tomorrow’s game. Kim announced his arrival in the I-League in style after he netted a brace against Shillong Lajong on Sunday. The big center forward has formed a good partnership with Vineeth who likes to feed on Kim’s flick-ons and bring downs.
Min Chol Son has been a rock in the Mumbai FC defence and has had a great start to his Mumbai FC career. Son will be tasked with nullifying Kim’s aerial threat and get him out of the game. Son will also have to be wary of Kim’s eye for the goal and never give him an inch.
This duel between the two in-form North Koreans might just decide the game eventually.
Prediction
Mumbai FC 1-1 Bengaluru FC
The series of draws between the two teams look set to continue when Mumbai FC and Bengaluru FC clash on Sunday. With both sides in good form and difficult to beat, a share of the spoils seems to be on the cards. Both teams are too good not to score and hence a score draw.
“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…
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…
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…
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…