Matchday 67 will see the battle of two coastern giants of Indian Football take on each other as Robbie Fowler’s SC East Bengal host Sergio Lobera’s Mumbai City FC.
Blast from the past:
Mumbai City FC emerged victorious in a 3-0 victory when these two sides faced off in December.
SC East Bengal:
The Red and Golds are undefeated in their last 7 matches and come into this tie following a 0-0 draw against Chennaiyin FC. Robbie Fowler’s men look like a completely revamped side now and will be hoping to continue the same momentum against the League leaders. They find themselves in 10th position and a victory against the Islanders will see them climb upto 7th but a tough challenge awaits the Kolkata Giants.
“The style of football Mumbai is playing, all the foreigners have been here for a long time and they know Indian football very well. Tomorrow’s match will be tough, but we are also doing well for the last seven matches staying unbeaten. So, it will be a good match; where if our boys give the same effort I’m sure we can get good results,” said assistant coach Renedy Singh ahead of the clash.
Mumbai City FC:
The Islanders managed sit at the top of the table and are two points clear of the chasing pack with a game in hand. Sergio Lobera’s men come into this tie following a 0-0 draw against the Nizams of Hyderabad. The Islanders have not looked back ever since their defeat to Northeast United FC that came on the 21st of November as they are unbeaten in their last 10 games. A victory against SC East Bengal will see them increase their advantage to 5 points.
“I think it could be a big mistake, if we play tomorrow’s game thinking of the past match against East Bengal.
They are a completely different team. They have improved a lot, their level, performance, it’s a very difficult team. It’s difficult to find spaces in their half. It’s difficult to defend well some players of the opponent team,” Sergio Lobera said.
Players to watch out for:
Bright Enobakhare (SC East Bengal)
The Nigerian young gun was surely the missing piece of the puzzle for Robbie Fowler’s SC East Bengal as his arrival has brought a different energy in the Red and Golds’ camp. On the field he has been sensation and will be looking forward to showcase his abilities against the Islanders.
Hugo Boumous (Mumbai City FC)
Hugo Boumous has lived upto the expectations and has left no stones unturned for his side after his big money move to Mumbai City FC. The French-Moroccan attacker has the most number of assists this season (5) and will have a crucial role to play in tonight’s encounter as he is expecting to return to the starting XI to replace Harnan Santana.
Probable Starting XI:
SC East Bengal:
Debjit Majumder (GK), Narayan Das, Daniel Fox(C), Scott Neville, Ankit Mukherjee, Milan Singh, Surchandra Singh, Jacques Maghoma, Matti Steinmann, Anthony Pilkington, Harmanpreet Singh.
Mumbai City FC:
Amrinder Singh (GK/C), Mehtab Singh, Mourtada Fall, Amey Ranawade, Ahmed Jahouh, Cy Goddard, Rowllin Borges, Vignesh Dakshinamurthy, Bipin Singh, Hugo Boumous, Adam Le Fondre.