Sergio Lobera’s Mumbai City saw their four-game winning run halted earlier this week after failing to beat a 10-man Jamshedpur side. After conceding early in the first half, Mumbai City levelled the score through Bart Ogbeche – a bit of redemption for the Nigerian talisman who was at error in conceding the goal early on. Aitor Monroy saw a second yellow soon after which meant Owen Coyle’s side had to play with a disadvantage for nearly 70 minutes. The Islanders built well but failed to convert their many chances, ending the night at 1-1.
Hyderabad FC, who have faced their fair share of injury setbacks including a sizeable chunk of their foreign recruits, have been rather unfazed from the challenges with the biggest testament to it being their unbeaten run in the 2020-21 campaign so far. Manolo Marquez’s side won on opening day against Odisha FC and have picked up draws against the likes of ATK Mohun Bagan and Bengaluru FC and the Nizams are coming off the back of a comeback win against SC East Bengal.
With plenty of lessons to pick up from the gridlock against Jamshedpur, Sergio Lobera has rallied his players to enjoy the 90 minutes of football in tomorrow’s ‘entertaining’ affair, pick up the three points and mark the end of a rough 2020 on a winning note.
Team News:
Sergio Lobera is ‘optimistic’ about the return of the faces who missed out on the action against Jamshedpur FC.
Joel Chianese, Fran Sandaza, and Lluis Sastre are expected to miss the action tomorrow against the Islanders.
Who Said What:
Sergio Lobera: Hyderabad FC has a very good team with a lot of positives, including the performance of their Indian players. I really enjoy watching their games and I hope tomorrow will be a good game as well.
Raynier Fernandes: I had a setback during the first game but it's not the end. I need to focus, work hard in training and on my fitness, and I need to do what the coach asks of me.
Where to watch it
The game will kick off at 5 pm IST and will be broadcast on the Star Sports Network, Disney+ Hotstar and Jio TV for all viewers in India. For our global fans, you can find your local broadcaster here or follow all the action LIVE on our official Twitter account - @MumbaiCityFC.
League Watch
Results:
17 Dec: Odisha FC 1-2 Bengaluru FC (Taylor 71’; Chhetri 38’, Cleiton 79’)
18 Dec: NorthEast United 0-1 Jamshedpur (Aniket 53’)
19 Dec: FC Goa 1-2 Chennaiyin FC (Ortiz 9’; Crivellaro 5’, Rahim 53’)
Fixtures coming up:
20 Dec: Hyderabad FC vs Mumbai City (Tilak Maidan; 5pm)
20 Dec: Kerala Blasters vs SC East Bengal (GMC Bambolim; 7.30pm)
21 Dec: ATK Mohun Bagan vs Bengaluru FC (Fatorda, 7.30pm)
