Goa: In search of redemption, SC East Bengal will take on Mumbai City FC in match 67 of Indian Super League (ISL) season at the Tilak Maidan Stadium in Goa on Friday(January 22).
SC East Bengal have turned their fortunes in fine fashion being unbeaten in the last seven matches. However, facing table toppers Mumbai City will be a different challenge.
Last time they met back in December where the Red and Gold brigade were handed a crushing 3-0 defeat by the Islanders, but this time the Kolkata giants will look to settle the scores.
“Mumbai are a good side and they have been doing really well,” added assistant coach Renedy Singh in his pre match conference. “But I feel we have to consider our own style, how we’ve played in the last seven matches. I think the boys have worked really hard. It is a process that we have to continue. We will work on our own side while giving respect to them.”
SCEB will come into this game after sharing points with Chennaiyin FC in their last fixture which ended on a mute scoreline.
Goalkeeper Debjit Majumder has been outstanding for the most of the campaign till now along with Bright who will look to tear apart the Mumbai defence with his technique, pace and physicality. Inclusion of youngster Ankit Mukherjee has proved to be quite crucial as he has quickly established himself as a vital cog in the side.
On the other hand, Mumbai City FC’s place at the top of the tree rightfully showcases their dominance over all other sides. But coach Sergio Lobera feels his side can continue this to the very end.
“The most important thing is to win the title. Obviously, to get there it is a consequence of doing a lot of things well. If during the progress we manage some good numbers, lots of goals, lots of clean sheets and possession of the ball, there is more possibility of winning the trophy,” The Spaniard added in his pre-match briefing. “But if I need to refuse these records in order to win a trophy, then I will prefer to win a trophy because that is the best record of all,”
Swamped with deadly qualities in midfield as well as in the forward, the Islanders are the joint-top scorers in the league with 17 goals. Star striker Adam le Fondre who netted 6 of them has been in red-hot form while a win over the Red and Golds will secure their spot at the top.
Ahmed Jahou will be the man to watch out for stringing passes to control the tempo of the game. Mandar Rao Desai, shuttling up and down the left-flank will create havock in the opposing half. Despite, they will have to be aware at back as the likes of Jacques Maghoma and Anthony Pilkington will present a tough challenge to them.
SC East Bengal possible playing XI: Debjit Majumder(GK), Scott Neville, Danny Fox, Surchandra Singh, Matti Steinmann, Ankit Mukherjee,Narayan Das, Jacques Maghoma,Bright Enobakhare, Milan Singh, Anthony Pilkington
Mumbai City FC possible playing XI: Amrinder Singh(GK), Mourtada Fall, Tondonba Ngasepam, Mandar Rao Dessai, Sarthak Golui, Rowllin Borges, Ahmed Jahouh, Raynier Fernandes, Hugo Boumous, Hernan Santana, Adam le Fondre
