Six nights ago at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. Jorge Costa’s troops put up a valiant show against Bengaluru FC, leaving the neutrals wanting for more. The Islanders, playing with a man down for the last half an hour, settled for a point at the home of the current table toppers but so easily could have gone away with all three.
A run of three games in 7 days was followed by a week of rest and the Islanders go again on Sunday in what will be the final game of 2018 before going into the break. Posing the challenge for Mumbai City FC will be David James’ Kerala Blasters at the Mumbai Football Arena at 7.30pm tomorrow.
It has not been a positive season for the Blasters under the Englishman whose side has not won in 10 games, the last win coming in their opening game. James, who is in his second stint as the head coach of the side from Kochi, has not replicated the form he managed as a player-coach in KBFC’s run to the final in the first season of the Hero ISL.
After falling to a 1-0 defeat at home to FC Pune City in their previous game, the Blasters search for a home win continues in this calendar year, causing major unrest in what otherwise is a vociferous fan base.
With FC Goa hot on their heels following their 5-1 win over fellow playoff contentders NorthEast United, tomorrow will present the Islanders with a unique challenge and three points will be the target as Jorge Costa will look to maintain the pressure on first placed Bengaluru going into the mid-season break.
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:
While the Islanders can boast of no injuries, Jorge Costa will have to cope with the absence of midfield lynchpin Sehnaj Singh who will watch the action from the stands tomorrow following his red card against Bengaluru FC.
For David James’ Blasters, there are no reported injuries or suspensions.
Who said what:
Jorge Costa: We are playing as a team, we are doing well in training and the results are reflecting on the field.
Modou Sougou: We attack with 11 players and defend with 11. When we’re on the pitch, we have one common goal and more importantly, we play for each other.
Amrinder Singh: A lot has changed since the reverse fixture. We’ve become better and stronger with time but so have Kerala. We cannot be complacent tomorrow.
League Watch
Results:
14 Dec: FC Goa 5-1 NorthEast United FC (Coro 59’, 84’, Bedia 69’, Boumous 71’, Palanca 90’ Ogbeche 90’)
15 Dec: Chennaiyin FC 1-3 Delhi Dynamos (Augusto 39’ P Lalhimpuia 16’, Bikramjit 78’, Nandhakumar 82’)
