I-League 2017: Mumbai FC vs Minerva Punjab Preview - The Warriors bid to extend Mumbai's winless run

Manasi Pathak

I-League 2017: Mumbai FC vs Minerva Punjab Preview - The Warriors bid to extend Mumbai's winless run image

Maharashtra outfit Mumbai FC host Chandigarh-based side Minerva Punjab on Sunday evening in a round eleven I-League clash. This is the second clash between the teams this season, with The Warriors getting the better of The Yellows in the initial encounter.

Hosts Mumbai are winless in eight games, however, their last two results on home soil have been decent and has garnered them two points. Having clinched a point each against heavyweights East Bengal and Bengaluru FC, the morale in the Mumbai camp is much better. The addition of new recruit Sharityar Djelaluddin has added some strength to their shaky defence. There still exists the problem of poor finishing across their frontline.

Lately, there have been controversial reports coming out about the Essel Group-owned franchise. It is believed that gaffer Santosh Kashyap has released skipper Steven Dias and defenders Pratik Choudhary and Allan Dias from the club. The trio has apparently not attended training sessions and it would be intriguing to see if any one of them feature against Surinder Singh and company.

As for the visitors, they sit seventh on the points table, a spot above the home side. But Minerva are undefeated in five games and will head to the Cooperage stadium in high spirits following a thrilling 4-5 win against Goan side Churchill Brothers.

The new entrants' attack seemed to click on the night but the defensive department still needs improvement. The team has especially been poor with defending set pieces.

The visiting side have a fully fit squad and the hosts don't have any new injury concerns either.  However, it would be interesting to see if Kashyap leaves out Hitesh Sharma yet again from the 18-man squad.

Kick-off is at 7:00 PM IST with the visitors the slight favourites to win. 

PREDICTED LINE-UPS

MUMBAI XI

Minerva corrected XI

 

MUMBAI FC

Injured: Steven Dias, Lalchhawnkima, Pratesh Shirodkar, Victorino Fernandes

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Key player: Thoi Singh

 

MINERVA PUNJAB

Injured: None

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Key player: Loveday Enyinnaya

 

Manasi Pathak