INTRODUCTION
Today’s schedule in the ISL sees the team on the comeback rollercoaster SC East Bengal, face the table-toppers in Mumbai City FC. Will be played at Tilak Maidan, the designated home turf of SCEB.
BUILD UP
The hosts are on an unbeaten run of 7 matches, grabbing 11 points out of a possible 21. A win would see them move to a possible 5th place, having the same points as North East United and Chennaiyin. The Mumbai Franchise, sit comfortably on the top, with a two-point lead, and a game in hand, off ATK Mohun Bagan. Pressure will be on Mumbai, to keep the 5 point lead intact, after David Williams scored in the stoppage time, to give ATKMB a 1-0 win over Chennaiyin. Whereas every match from now on, will be a do or die for East Bengal.
HEAD TO HEAD
Since it is the inaugural season of East Bengal in the Indian top flight, the two teams have locked horns, only once before today’s match. It ended in Mumbai winning 3-0. But we hope to have a far more competitive clash tonight, with the Kolkata Franchise, finding some form lately.
SCEB FORM GUIDE: D-D-W-D-W
MCFC FORM GUIDE: D-W-W-W-W
Teams
SC East Bengal
Pilkington’s back from injury will only add to the attacking firepower of SCEB from the recent matches. Bright and Maghoma have been coming up with the goods in his absence and remain as important. However, this has given Fowler a headache to choose his 5 foreigners on the team sheet. Ajay Chhetri faces suspension from the last game.
Mumbai City FC
Mumbai have failed to score in their last game, and only for the second time this season. This shows how important is Hugo Boumous for Lobera and his team to get the goals coming. He is expected to be back, after being rested. Loss or draw for Mumbai will spice things up at the top.
PREDICTED LINE UPS
SC EAST BENGAL
(3-4-1-2)
Goalkeeper: Debjit
Defenders: Neville, Raju, Fox
Midfielders: Mukherjee, Milan, Steinmann, Narayan
Forwards: Surchandra, Pilkington, Bright
MUMBAI CITY FC
(4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Amrinder
Defenders: Amey, Fall, Santana, Mandar
Midfielders: Borges, Jahouh, Raynier, Boumous, Bipin
Forwards: Adam Le Fondre
Players to watch out for
SC East Bengal
Anthony Pilkington
The talismanic forward of East Bengal can pose a huge threat to the Mumbai Backline. Versatile #10, he could be the one to break the lines and help East Bengal find the goal. He poses threat from set pieces too.
Bright Enobakhare
Versatility is a thing with East Bengal I must say, as he and Pilkington keep on switching roles during the build-up of the game. The forward already has 3 goal contributions in the five games this season. With magical feet, the opponent full backs can be exposed in no time.
Mumbai City FC
Hugo Boumous
The heart and soul of Mumbai City’s attack is the French Moroccan youngster. With capabilities to turn the game on its head, Hugo is vital for the “Lobera Ball” to come good. Linking up with Adam Le Fondre will be much to the Islanders’ delight who would want their team to get back to winning ways.
Mourtada Fall
The defensive rock of the backline in Mourtada Fall will have to come good, if Mumbai wants to win the game, and keep the attacking firepower of the opponent at bay. And you never know, needs just one whooping cross to get Fall on the scoresheet, so just check out!
CONCLUSION
A must-win for both sides, for different reasons of course. The game is very exciting, and we hope the best team grabs the goodies.
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