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After a loss and draw in the last two games, Prayag United SC will be playing on an alien ground against Mumbai FC, a side that has performed with varied intensity and contrasting performances throughout this season.
Prayag stayed undefeated till the end of the ninth round before Chirag United Kerala brought them down to ground at home, something that Mumbai FC is banking on to do in the Round XII clash on Wednesday.
Mumbai FC hasn’t been that impressive — but a draw and a comfortable win in the last two matches speaks well for the ‘home’ team who have camping at the Balewadi Sports Complex ground since last 10 days.
“They have an experienced side and have done well to be at the position they are in at this time of the season, but we hope to stop their good run here after finding our form during last two games here,” said Mumbai FC manager Henry Picardo.
To be able to hold Pune FC to a draw was commendable given that the Pune outfit was on a high after winning against defending champion Salgaocar SC and then beating Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bangalore, 4-0.
Mumbai FC can also take heart from the fact that they have no double bookings giving them liberty to choose a full-strength side, even as Noel Wilson remains suspect due to an injury.
“We have watched them (Prayag) play a few matches. Though Prayag look strong given the players they have in the line-up, we have a mix of youth and experience and we hope that they will come out good and do the required job,” hoped Picardo.
If Gbeneme Friday has remained below par, it was Abhishek Yadav who found the form in last couple of matches and that raises Mumbai FC’s hopes. Cavin Lobo and Ebi Sukore too can rattle any opposition on their day.
Prayag on the other hand is a tight outfit at the back, but they have failed to kill off several matches, which cost them several points. Soumik Chakraborty and Yusif Yakubu have been at their best as is Joshimar da Silva Martins, but on a turf that is new to the trio, it will be a contest worth watching.
The kick-off is at 6.30pm.
