Mumbai’s City FC face Bengaluru FC in a match from which both sides will want to get three points. Although the motives of the two teams are different, the build up to this tie makes for an inters encounter. Mumbai will look to regain the top spot while Bengaluru makes a final dash to finish in the top four.
Mumbai are on the back of a 3-3 draw against FC Goa in their last match in which they were robbed off the win by a late equaliser from Ishan Pandita. Mumbai will look to get back on winning ways as three points will take them back to the top of the table. With just four matches to go, they wouldn’t want to miss an opportunity to finish as table toppers and play in the AFC Champions League. The previous encounter between the two teams resulted in a 3-1 win for Mumbai.
Bengaluru FC are coming back from a 0-2 loss to the current table toppers ATK Mohun Bagan. With just 19 points in 17 games, they are currently in the seventh position. Anything less than 9 points from the remaining three games will make it harder for the team to qualify for the playoffs. As Mumbai City FC has been conceding more goals off late, Bengaluru will look to take advantage of that and try to get the win.
Team news :
Mumbai will miss the services of midfielder Hugo Boumous who is suspended.
Bengaluru FC will be without Pratik Chaudari due to suspension. Rahul Bheke and Juanan Antonio remain in the injury list as Bengaluru would be fielding a new look defence.
It will be a special moment for captain Sunil Chhetri who is set to make his 200th appearance for the club.
Indian players to watch out :
Rowlinn Borges has had a stellar season in the holding midfield position making a good partnership with Ahmed Jahouh. The Goan would be raring to seal his place in the national team.
Raynier Fernandes will have a more important role to play in this match as Hugo Boumous is out with a suspension. His playmaking would be essential for Mumbai to create chances.
Suresh Singh Wangjam has collectively had a good season overall. His pace and energy will be vital in at containing the free flowing play of Mumbai. Sunil Chhetri is on the verge of making his 200th appearance for the club, a landmark achievement for the club and Indian legend. Moreover we could see some new faces in the backline owing to the lack of players.
Key foreign players :
Adam Le Fondre is in fine form scoring in the last match. He is also one of the contenders for the golden boot. Ahmed Jahouh, as always will be the orchestrator of the attacks from the deep. His presence will affect the style of the match.
Xisco Hernández can play a crucial role for Bengaluru in creating chances as they are in desperate need for goals. Erik Paartalu will make his presence felt in set pieces and also in preventing attacks from the opposition. Kristian Opseth will have to put on his scoring boots today as only three points are going to help Bengaluru.
Probable lineups :
Mumbai City FC :
Amrinder (GK) , Ranawade, Fall, Hernan, Mandar, Rowlinn, Jahouh, Raynier, Bipin, Goddard , le Fondre
Bengaluru FC :
Gurpreet(GK), Parag, Khabra, Fran, Ajith, Erik, Suresh, Sunil, Udanta, Xisco, Opseth
The stage is set for an intriguing encounter, as Mumbai go for the winner’s shield and Bengaluru fight for reaching the playoffs.
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