Mumbai seek confidence-building win

Mumbai FC will look for an elusive win, this time against Aizawl FC, in their I-League 11th round match at the Cooperage here on Wednesday. The hosts have been hit by injuries and registered their last of their two wins against Bengaluru FC here on January 27 in their fourth game.

They have 10 points from nine games and are sixth while Aizawl FC are a rung lower with eight points from nine games. Being poor travellers, Mumbai FC will look for a confidence-boosting win ahead of their four consecutive away matches.

Like their rivals, Aizawl FC have also two wins, one against Mumbai FC at home on February 20. Khalid Jamil’s side have struggled against new I-League teams, losing away games to DSK Shivajians and Aizawl, will look for revenge to better their record.

The hosts have attracted a new fan base due to presence of four Japan born players but three of them, skipper Taisuke Matsugae, Min-Chol Son and Arata Izumi, have been injured and have missed out last month.

Ryuki Kozawa has been doing the bulk of work in the mid-field.

Liberian striker Eric Brown hasn’t clicked yet as the hosts have struggled to score in absence of midfielders Arata and Taisuke.

To counter their injury woes Mumbai FC have signed goalkeeper Sandeep Nandy and left winger Clifford Miranda on loan from ISL clubs Kerala Blasters and Atletico de Kolkata respectively. Defender Syed Rahim Nabi also played as substitute in the last game.

Nandy’s first appearance lasted just 25 minutes on Saturday as he was injured.

Aizawl’s Nigerian striker Joel Sunday was on target in their 2-0 win over Mumbai FC last week and he will be the key for the I-league debutants against the physical Mumbai defence.

Elsewhere, Shillong Lajong FC will host former I-League champions Bengaluru FC at the JN Stadium.