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Mumbai FC seek a change in fortunes when they hosts new-comers Bengaluru FC in an I-League Round-8 encounter at the Balewadi Sports Complex on Saturday.
The hosts come into the game on the back of a three-match losing streak and will be hoping for a new start while securing their first home win of the campaign.
Mumbai FC (6 points) have dropped to tenth place in the league table and face the test of newly-formed side Bengaluru FC for the first time ever. The visitors are currently third in the table with thirteen points.
The hosts will hope to make most of the fact that this is Bengaluru FC’s first visit to Pune and will look to exploit home conditions to the maximum. However, the opponents, who also come into the game on the back of a loss, will pose tough challenge.
Coach Khalid Jamil was concerned but positive ahead of the game, “We are definitely worried about the results. Dropping points at home doesn’t help us. A win against Bengaluru FC will not only end our losing streak but will also bring our season back on track.”
Mumbai FC will be missing services of their talismanic defender Haroon Amiri who will miss the last game in his 2-match suspension.
Apart from him and injured players Valeriano Rebello and John Coutinho, all players are fit and will be available for selection on Saturday. However, Coach Jamil will be making a few changes to the starting lineup and might start few players from the bench.
The game will be the first ever meeting between the two sides and the hosts will be keen on starting on a positive note as they hope to climb up in the table.
The match kicks off at 3.00 pm on Saturday.
