East Bengal vs Mumbai City FC

SC East Bengal will lock horns with Mumbai City FC in matchday 52 of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 season at the Tilak Maidan Stadium in Vasco da Gama, Goa.

SC East Bengal hasn’t yet figured out a way to end their winless run after a 1-1 stalemate with Bengaluru FC in their last game.

Mumbai City FC, on the other hand, approaches this match after a defeat against Odisha FC in their last game.

Form Guide

SC East Bengal

The Red and Gold Brigade haven’t been able to make their mark this season as they sit at the bottom of the table with five points out of nine games, drawing five, losing four, and winning zero matches. They will hope to turn things around under interim coach Renedy Singh.

Mumbai City FC

The Islanders haven’t been the same after their defeat against Kerala Blasters FC, which ended their winning streak of four games. Although they sit joint-top of the table with 16 points in nine games, they are winless in their last three matches, and might slip below in the points table if such a form persists.

Head-To-Head

The two sides faced each other twice last season, with Mumbai City FC getting the better of SC East Bengal in both encounters. SC East Bengal will look to post their first-ever win against Mumbai City FC.

Team News

SC East Bengal are set to field a side with only one or two foreigners as stated by interim coach Renedy Singh in the pre-match press conference with Tomislav Mrcela out for two to three weeks after sustaining a muscle injury and Antonio Perosevic serving his five-match suspension.

Meanwhile, in the Mumbai City FC camp, everyone is fit and available for selection except Vikram Singh and Rowllin Borges who are ruled out due to their respective injuries.

Key Players

SC East Bengal

Adil Khan: After returning from his injury, Khan was excellent in his last game and is bound to lead the SC East Bengal backline. The defender has made 11 tackles, nine clearances, six interceptions, and four blocks in five games.

Daniel Chukwu: The forward is a key player in the SC East Bengal attack. Having scored twice, Chukwu has also made significant ball recoveries in the middle half of the pitch.

Mumbai City FC

Apuia: The midfielder has been pivotal in terms of ball recoveries for his side, making 44 tackles, 16 interceptions along with 5 clearances, and 15 blocks. With a great vision, Apuia is also a great passer of the ball, having a pass accuracy of 85%.

Bipin Singh: The 26-year-old has contributed to his side in the attack. With nine games, Singh has scored thrice and provided two assists. His link-up with Igor Angulo has caused opponents problems.

Key Stats

Mumbai City FC – falling short in defense

Mumbai City has conceded 3 goals or more in their last 3 matches. They conceded 4 against Odisha FC, 3 against NorthEast United, and 3 against Kerala Blasters. This is the first time in their Hero ISL history that they have conceded 3 or more goals in 3 successive matches. The Islanders have also conceded 7 goals in the 46-60’ period this season. No team has conceded more goals in the same time period.

SC East Bengal’s winning woes

SC East Bengal is yet to score a goal against Mumbai City in the Hero ISL. They are the only side against whom they have failed to score against in this competition. SC East Bengal is currently on a 13-match winless run. If they fail to win in the next match, they will equal the Hero ISL winless streak record of 14 held by Hyderabad, NorthEast United FC, and Kerala Blasters FC.

Match Timings and Telecast Details

Match: SC East Bengal vs Mumbai City FC                  

Date: 07th January 2022

Venue: Tilak Maidan Stadium, Vasco da Gama, Goa

Kick-off time: 7.30 pm

Telecast: Star Sports 3

Online Streaming: Disney+Hotstar, and JioTV.