Some three and a half months ago, a relatively unknown team, Mumbai FC, shocked the glamour outfit Mohun Bagan in their own backyard.
Some three and a half months ago, a relatively unknown team, Mumbai FC, shocked the glamour outfit Mohun Bagan in their own backyard in the opening match of the I-League. And when the two sides take the field in the second phase of the league on Friday, the question that remains unanswered is whether they will be able to repeat the feat again?
Going by the composition of the two sides, their form and fitness, it would be a gamble to bet against either side. While Mumbai FC will look to carry on their cent per cent record against the Kolkata clubs this season, Bagan would aim to close in on leaders Sporting Clube de Goa.
“The pressure is on them. Before the season started, no one really expected us to get a result against them but we’ve managed it once. Even on Friday we have nothing to lose,” Mumbai FC coach David Booth said on Thursday.
The table is evenly poised going into the second phase that begins from Friday with just six points separating the top-four, and just two separating the second (Bagan) and fourth (Mumbai FC).
The good news for Booth is that though striker Abel Hammond hasn’t played to his potential this season, he had a big contribution in Mumbai FC’s 3-0 thrashing of Mohammedan Sporting earlier this week.
“Even Abhishek (Yadav) played well in that match. I have no reason to make many changes in the playing 11,” Booth said.
James Dissiramah will return from suspension to strengthen the defence of the home side.
Bagan coach Karim Bencherifa hopes to field his star studded side in this crucial encounter. Jose Barreto and Baichung Bhutia will start up front for the Mariners, while only midfielder Rakesh Masih will not feature for them.
“Our main aim is the close in the gap on Sporting and widen the gap over Churchill Brothers, who are third,” Bencherifa said. “We have being playing very well in last few matches and have won six matches continuously in I-League. And we only hope to carry on that form,” said Bencherifa.
The second match of the day will witness JCT hosting defending champions Dempo at Ludhiana.
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