Bengaluru Face Uphill Task Against Confident Mumbai City

ISL

Bengaluru FC will be up against defending champions Mumbai City FC in their Hero Indian Super League (ISL) match on Sunday at the Athletic Stadium, in Bambolim, Goa.

After a bright start to the season, Bengaluru FC failed to keep up the momentum, as they slumped to a defeat and played out a draw in their matches against Odisha FC and Kerala Blasters FC respectively. On the other hand, Mumbai City FC have won two out of their three matches so far, which includes a thumping 5-1 win over ATK Mohun Bagan.

Bengaluru FC

The Blues have won two, drawn two and lost one out of their last five competitive matches. They did have a good run in the Durand Cup, having reached the semi-finals with a second string team, but were halted by a strong FC Goa unit. So far, Bengaluru FC has had a mixed season, having registered three possible results in as many matches played in the Hero ISL.

Mumbai City FC

The Islanders have won three, lost one and drawn the other in their last five competitive matches. After a fitting start to the new campaign, Mumbai City FC suffered a 1-3 loss to Hyderabad FC in the following match. However, they recovered from the setback in grand fashion by inflicting a 5-1 win over ATK Mohun Bagan in the following game.

Head to Head

Mumbai City FC have played eight matches against Bengaluru FC in the history of the Hero ISL, with the Islanders ending up winning four of them. The Blues have won three, while the remaining match ended in a draw. However, Mumbai City FC have registered four wins in the last five head-to-head matches.

Bengaluru FC

Bengaluru FC have struggled to get going this season. There is no questioning the approach and intent, but the slow build-ups and vulnerability on the counter has cost them dear. With the lion’s share of the possession in the last game, the Blues only fired three shots at the goal, which is poor by their standards. There’s a lot of scope for improvement, as they face a stiff competition in the next game.

Alan Costa has been rock solid defence, with Pratik Chaudhary as his deputy. Roshan Naorem’s efforts were visible, but he was ineffective on the overlaps. The main snag surfaces in the midfield, where Bruno Silva and Suresh Wangjam have not been able to enforce constructive moves, in spite of enjoying considerable amount of time with the ball. Iman Basafa was also in the same boat, who got his first start of the season against Kerala Blasters FC

Skipper Sunil Chhetri is yet to find his footing this season, while Udanta Singh has run hot and cold following a match-winning performance in the opening game. For the positives, Cleiton Silva has been their standout performer, with him responsible for most of the chances created by Bengaluru FC. Prince Ibara had a quiet evening, with him not fed enough balls to make an effect. Marco Pezzaiuoli’s boys need to work in the playmaking zone if they aspire for top honours this season. Leon Augustine will miss the upcoming match due to injury.

Mumbai City FC

Despite the unexpected loss to Hyderabad FC in their second match, the win over ATK Mohun Bagan proved why they are still one of the primary title contenders. Outclassing the Mariners by a margin of 5-1 has itself put out a statement, with the players fuelled with enough confidence for the upcoming matches. Young Vikram Partap Singh, on his first start for this side, scored a brace to hog the limelight in the previous game, while Bipin Singh, with a goal and an assist to his name, was also a talking point.

Mumbai City FC played like defending champions in the last game, having worked like a well-oiled machine in all departments. Mourtada Fall and Co had rectified their flaws and made sure there was only one shot on target in the entire game. The Senegalese centre-back was also on the scoresheet. Apuia and Ahmed Jahouh were in total command of the central midfield, with a passing accuracy of 91% and 86% respectively. Gabriel Cassio’s presence just added more flair to their attacks.

Buckingham for keeping the team together after a hiccup midway. With Bengaluru FC not in the best of their touch, Mumbai City FC would fancy their chances in the upcoming game. All the players in the Mumbai City FC squad are fit fot selection.

Match timings

Match: Bengaluru FC vs Mumbai City FC

Date: 4th December

Venue: Athletic Stadium, Bambolim

Kick-off time: 9.30 pm