After a disappointing run of results coming into 2022, the Islanders are out to mend their ways. Just four days after the Islanders’ last outing, Mumbai City are back in action tomorrow against SC East Bengal. Action kicks off at the Tilak Maidan at 7:30PM.
After five wins in the first six games, the Islanders are winless in the last three. Following a disappointing 3-3 draw against NorthEast United, where the Islanders conceded twice from a winning position, Des Buckingham’s men were found guilty once again. After conceding early against Odisha FC, the Islanders played some of their finest football all season to regain a 2-1 lead and with the possibility of many more. However, Mumbai City bundled the lead to concede thrice in the final 20 minutes and record a second loss in three games.
SC East Bengal, who recently parted ways with head coach Manolo Diaz, have shown a recent resurgence under interim coach Renedy Singh who has taken over until new head coach Mario Rivera completes his quarantine obligations. The Red & Gold Brigade have had two draws in their last two games, going ahead first on both occasions against Hyderabad FC and Bengaluru FC, and have shown attacking intent throughout.
SC East Bengal, who are yet to register a win in the ongoing campaign, stand in the way of Des Buckingham’s side and Mumbai City, who for the first time since early December, have relinquished top spot and are eager to get back to winning ways.
Team News:
New signing Vinit Rai will be available to Des Buckingham for selection while Rowllin Borges and Vikram Partap Singh will miss out on the action tomorrow. Vignesh, who left the pitch against Odisha FC after 60 minutes, has been given the clearance and is in contention to feature tomorrow against SC East Bengal.
Tomislav Mrcela joins a sizeable list of injured players for Renedy Singh’s side and will miss the action. Antonio Perosevic will continue to serve his 5-match ban and will also be sidelined.
Who Said What:
Des Buckingham: Whenever you play a team that's just had a change in coach anywhere in the world, sometimes you see an uplift not just in performance, but also in results. So, it's something we are very aware of. I am going to go back on what I said before. I don't think where teams are in the league as of now is not a reflection on the outcome of maybe some of the games. We are very aware of the threats they pose, we saw and uplift on performance and result in their last game.
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
4 Jan: Bengaluru FC 1-1 SC East Bengal (Sourav 56’ OG; Semboi 28’)
5 Dec: ATK Mohun Bagan 2-2 Hyderabad FC (Williams 1’, Rai 64’ OG; Ogbeche 18’, Siverio 90’)
Fixtures coming up:
6 Jan: Jamshedpur FC vs NorthEast United (GMC Bambolim; 7.30pm)
7 Jan: SC East Bengal vs Mumbai City (Tilak Maidan; 7.30pm)
