We’ve crossed the halfway mark of the league stage of the 2021-22 ISL and the Islanders will continue their hunt for a first win in 2022 when Des Buckingham’s side square up against table-toppers Kerala Blasters tomorrow at the Tilak Maidan in Vasco in a 7:30 PM kick off.
It has been a month to forget for the Islanders. Mumbai City last tasted a win in the ISL exactly a month ago on December 15 and have only managed to muster two points in the subsequent five games - the last of which ended in a defeat at the hands of Bengaluru FC. Des Buckingham’s side were blown away in the first half after Bengaluru scored thrice with Danish Farooq putting the Blues ahead and Prince Ibara nodding twin headers. The Islanders mounted a fight in the second half but failed to score to show for all the efforts as the tie ended 3-0.
After losing 4-2 against ATK Mohun Bagan on the opening day of the league, Kerala Blasters are unbeaten since for the last 10 games. The Blasters, under Ivan Vukomanovic, sit atop the ISL table with a slender one point lead and have showcased potent attacking football throughout the season so far. Coming into tomorrow’s fixture, the Blasters have won five out of their last eight games and will be buoyed by back to back wins against Hyderabad FC and Odisha FC.
With suspected COVID cases in the Blasters’ camp casting a cloud on tomorrow’s fixture, it remains to be seen if the tie will indeed go ahead. Should it proceed, it certainly promises to be mouthwatering affair with two sides eager to prove their credentials as we close in on the business end of the season.
Team News:
As announced by the Islanders earlier this week, midfielder Rowllin Borges has been ruled out for the remainder of the season as he continues to nurse a knee injury. Meanwhile, Vikram Partap Singh has been given the green light and will be in contention for tomorrow’s game against Kerala Blasters.
Where to watch it
The game will kick off at 7.30 pm IST and will be broadcast on the Star Sports Network, Hotstar, and Jio TV for all viewers in India. For our global fans, you can download the OneFootball app, find your broadcaster at indiansuperleague.com/broadcasters or follow all the action LIVE on our official Twitter account - @MumbaiCityFC.
League Watch
14 Jan: FC Goa 1-1 NorthEast United (Airam 39’; Hernan 3’)
15 Dec: ATK Mohun Bagan vs Bengaluru FC (Postponed)
Fixtures coming up:
16 Jan: Kerala Blasters vs Mumbai City (Tilak Maidan; 7.30pm)
17 Jan: Hyderabad FC vs Jamshedpur FC (Bambolim; 7.30pm)
