The final international break of 2018 – done. The real test, however, begins now. The Islanders will kick off a stretch of league games tomorrow, with Jorge Costa’s boys scheduled to play five crucial encounters over the next three weeks.
We’re back at the Mumbai Football Arena tomorrow, as the Islanders prepare to host a side with plenty of familiar faces – the big names of Stephen Coppell’s ATK – at 7.30pm tomorrow, in Mumbai.
With a new-look side and under new management, ATK, much like last season, had a slow start to their 2018/19 league campaign. But recent results have gone in the favour of the side from Kolkata, leaving them after 7 games at 10 points, only 3 behind the Islanders.
While this clash has traditionally been a feisty affair, tomorrow promises to be a bit more special. The ATK side will feature up to 7 former Islanders, with five just from last season’s roster. On the other side, five former ATK players now find themselves a part of the Islanders’ set up – names good enough to make up a 11-a-side team.
Despite their patchy form and injury woes in the attacking department, ATK are ‘not to be taken lightly’ according to Jorge Costa and tomorrow’s clash is certainly going to be one to watch out for.
Where to watch it:
The game will kick off at 7.30pm 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 find your broadcaster HERE. You can also follow live action on our official Twitter account  - @MumbaiCityFC.
Team News:
The international break has been kind to the Islanders with no injuries or suspensions to report for Jorge Costa’s Mumbai City FC.
The saga continues for Steve Coppell’s ATK after Alfaro, who was swiftly brought in on loan from FC Pune City to replace the injured Kalu Uche, has himself suffered a long term injury and is likely to miss the season. The Kolkata side meanwhile have identified Australian Eli Babalj as a replacement but it is unclear whether the signing of the towering striker from Down Under will be completed in time for tomorrow’s game.
Who said what:
Jorge Costa: They are a very good side with a good coach who has got a lot of experience. We are not expecting an easy game tomorrow.
Paulo Machado: The break has allowed us to train well. We’re confident in our own abilities and can’t wait to be back at the Arena.
Joyner Lourenco: The last three games were good but they are the past. We want to win tomorrow and keep the momentum going.
League Watch
Results:
21 Nov: FC Pune City 2-1 Jamshedpur FC (Carlos 5’, Mills 86’ Passi 10’)
22 Nov: FC Goa 1-2 Bengaluru FC (Brandon 72’ Bheke 34’, Chhetri 77’)
Fixtures coming up:
23 Nov: NorthEast United FC vs Kerala Blasters FC (Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati 7.30pm)
25 Nov: Jamshedpur FC vs Chennaiyin FC (JRD Tata Sports Complex, Jamshedpur 7.30pm)
