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I-League Preview: Mohun Bagan – Mumbai FC
The Kolkata side could be the biggest gainers of this round...
02-Nov-2009 7:23:55 AM
Kick-off: 16.30 IST, November 2
Barasat Stadium, Kolkata
A Turnaround...
Like last season, Mohun Bagan’s I-League campaign started with disappointing losses and critics were too quick to jump the gun as they ruled out their chances of doing well this year. Mind you, this was after reaching the finals of two tournaments!
Coming from three wins in a row, the confidence levels will surely be high though playing at Barasat seems tricky, which is known to be hub of East Bengal fans.
Given that the top sides like Mahindra, JCT and Dempo have drawn, it gives Bagan an opportunity to finish at least in the second spot at the end of round six, given that Chirag United are to play this evening as well.
The best part for them has been the number of chances they have created except the last game against Shillong Lajong. The absence of key players hasn’t disturbed their rhythm and a good bench strength has eased the selection headaches for Karim Bencherifa.
Time To Win...
After what a forgetful start in the I-League against Dempo SC, Mumbai FC have shown improvement in all their games. They haven’t been one of the best but with are gradually progressing towards it.
In their last game, they gave Air India a tough fight and were unlucky to go behind in the first half. Defensively, despite the arrival of the two center-backs, the backline doesn’t look solid as momentary lapses of concentration have cost the side in the past.
Khalid Jamil mentioned that a point away from home isn’t bad but added that they would always aim for full points as the time has come for them to deliver after a series of draws.
The likes of Dane Pereira and Darren Calderia have been impressive for the Mumbai club and will have to continue the good work from the past.
Form Guide
Mohun Bagan
Shillong Lajong 1-2 Mohun Bagan
East Bengal 3-5 Mohun Bagan
Mohun Bagan 2-0 Viva Kerala
Mumbai FC
Air India 2-2 Mumbai FC
Pune FC 1-1 Mumbai FC
Churchill Brothers SC 1-1 Mumbai FC
Team News
Mohun Bagan
Rakesh Masih is suspended due to double booking while in comes N.Mohanraj after serving out a one match suspension. Sangram Mandi is expected to slot in for Masih.
Mumbai FC The visiting side are without the services of Kayne Vincent due to suspension. Basheeru Abbas is likely to partner Abhishek Yadav upfront.
Players To Watch
Mohun Bagan
Marcos Pereira has been in good touch and his work rate in the Green and Maroon side is the highest. Despite being the oldest in the squad, the Brazilian’s energy and the ability to maintain a cool head in trying times is certainly appreciable.
Mumbai FC
Dane Pereira scored after coming on for Mumbai FC in the last match and their fans will expect much from the Mumbai boy. The youngster has a good height and can be an aerial threat to Mohun Bagan who do look shaky when put up against quality deliveries from set-pieces.
Key Areas
Mumbai FC’s defence will be tested as it was the individual errors of the defender and the goalkeeper which Air India to score their second. Any such mistakes have to be ironed out as Mohun Bagan will surely punish them hard. A draw for Mumbai FC wouldn’t be a bad result however, the onus is on the home side whether they can capitalise on the other results of the round so far.
Rahul Bali.
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