Mumbai FC all set to challenge Champion Bengaluru FC

by FC Admin January 17, 2017

Mumbai, January 17: A charged Mumbai FC are determined to try and maintain the winning momentum as they prepare to renew their rivalry with Champion Bengaluru FC in an absorbing and exciting third round I-League 2016-2017 encounter at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru on Wednesday evening.

The match kicks-off at 7.00 pm and will be telecast live on Ten 2 Network. Having started with back to back wins – defeating DSK Shivajians, Pune 1-0 at home and then snatching an away 2-1 win over Churchill Brothers, Goa, the Mumbai outfit is all buoyed up and prepared to put their best forward when they get on to the field against the Bengaluru side, who have also won their previous two games in this competition. The record between the two sides is even in previous six meetings.Four have ended in draws and both have won one game each.

The new look Mumbai outfit has perfectly executed the plans of new Head Coach Santosh Kashyap, which has helped the club get the positive results. Skipper Steven Dias, a former international, along with the experienced Pretesh Shirodkar, Thoi Singh and Victorino Fernandes have given direction to the attack, while the defence manned by Pratik Chaudhary, Shalum Pires and Raegan Singh have done commendably well in the earlier matches, while goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani has also performed well under the bar.

They will once again have to combine well and bring out their best against defending champions Bengaluru FC, who would definitely aim for another win and boost their chances of defending their title. Meanwhile, coach Kashyap has promised that his boys would continue to playing their usual style of attacking football and be positive in the
game. “I am a coach who loves to play attacking football and I believe that this is the best strategy for my team. Bengaluru FC also likes to come out and play and that will make it an exciting contest. I’m sure we will have a very exciting game of football tomorrow,” said Kashyap during the pre-match press briefing on the eve of the game.

Bengaluru FC Head Coach, Albert Roca said his boys were bracing for what could be their toughest challenge of the season. “This is a team (Mumbai FC) which is mentally strong after two wins. So we are ready for a hard battle. They have enough talent to put us in trouble and they will try it. But we are ready for that,” said Roca while addressing the press on the eve of the game.

Kashyap was unconcerned when asked about no foreign singing in the team. “We have an all-Indian players’ line-up and I have enough confidence in the Indian boys to get the job done. They have already proved it in the last two matches,” Kashyap further added.

Mumbai will be at full strength and coach Kashyap is unlikely to disturb the winning combination. Whenever the two have met in the past the match has produced high-voltage action both on and off the field and Wednesday’s meeting promises another thriller.