While it may be fairly early into the season with only a third of the league games played, it has been a topsy-turvy campaign for the Islanders. Despite putting up valiant performances, the tally for Jorge Costa’s side reads six points in six games with just one win to show for – the solitary victory coming on the opening day against tomorrow’s visitors.
With the pressure on the Islanders to pick up their second win of the season, Mumbai City FC welcome Kerala Blasters in tomorrow’s crunch tie at the Mumbai Football Arena with the action kicking off at 7.30pm.
The last time the two sides met in the Islanders’ season opener, it took a late winner from Tunisian hitman Amine Chermiti to sink the side in yellow in Kochi. Since then, both camps have faced fairly similar fortunes. With injuries to key players and positive performances with no results to show for it, pressure meters will be running high for both teams with three points being the need of the hour for Jorge Costa’s boys.
Form Guide
Mumbai City FC: D-L-L-D-D
Kerala Blasters FC: L-L-D-L-D
Team News:
For the Islanders, Diego Carlos will be an absentee at the Arena after the Brazilian sustained an injury against ATK early in the second half. The boss Jorge Costa has named his 18-man squad for tomorrow’s crunch tie.
Tomorrow’s game could see a return for Mario Arques, despite Eelco Schattorie refusing to comment on the Spaniard’s involvement. Rahul KP, who was taken off against BFC, will be missing for the visitors.
Who Said What:
Jorge Costa: Both teams will be under pressure tomorrow. Football is all about pressure. I would say we are under more pressure since we want the 3 points at home.
Amine Chermiti: We've had a lot of injuries and that did hamper our game. We’re getting our full squad back slowly, and you can see the difference in the last two games.
Subhasish Bose: We want to make a statement in front of our own fans. We’ve been playing well together but we want to get a result to show for our performances.
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 follow all the action LIVE on our official Twitter account - @MumbaiCityFC.
League Watch
Results:
1 Dec: Kerala Blasters FC 2-2 FC Goa (Cido 2’, Messi B 58’ Fall 41’, Rodrigues 90’)
2 Dec: Jamshedpur FC 1-1 NorthEast United FC (Castel 28’ Triadis 90’)
Fixtures coming up:
4 Dec: Odisha FC vs Bengaluru FC (Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium, Pune 7.30pm)
5 Dec: Mumbai City FC vs Kerala Blasters FC (Mumbai Football Arena, Mumbai 7.30pm)
7 Dec: NorthEast United FC vs ATK (Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati 7.30pm)
