Bengaluru FC will be looking to win their 3rd match on the trot when they host Mumbai FC at the Sree Kanteerava stadium on 19th January 2017. It might not be an easy task for Albert Roca's side who are up against a team who have also won both their matches in the I-League so far. Moreover, both teams have had a bit of rivalry with each other in the last 3 years or so. We might well be in for an exciting clash. The match is expected to kick-off at 7 PM IST.
The home side had to dig deep against I-League newcomers Chennai City last Saturday and could only find a way past their defence late in the second half, despite dominating the encounter from the word go. But it was Bengaluru coach Albert Roca's substitues, Roby Norales and CK Vineeth, who found the goals when it mattered. On the back of that performance, we might see the Honduran striker, Norales, given a start against Mumbai. More importantly, Australian midfielder Cameron Watson is expected to be fit after recovering from a stomach issue. Bengaluru are expected to start building their attacks from the back and Watson is integral to their gameplay.
While Albert Roca expects Mumbai to be defensive, they are dangerous on the counter and will prove to be a tough nut to crack for the defending champions. Moreover, Santosh Kashyap's side is coming from a morale-boosting win against Churchill Brothers where Karan Sawhney scored an injury-time winner. They have also won both their games so far and will be on a high. But Mumbai FC are yet to complete the signing of a foreign player and will, again, play with an all-Indian squad. Nevertheless, Kashyap will be hoping to give the defending champions a run for their money and utilise the pace in his side to full effect on Wedensday.
PREDICTED LINE-UPS
BENGALURU FC
Injured: Lalchhuanmawia
Doubtful: Shankar Sampingiraj, Rino Anto
Suspended: None
Key player: Sunil Chhetri
MUMBAI FC
Injured: Allan Dias
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Key player: Thoi Singh
THREE KEY FACTS
- Bengaluru FC have beaten Mumbai FC at the Kanteerava stadium only once in last 3 years of the I-League.
- Thoi Singh, who made about 50 appearances for Bengaluru FC between 2013 and 2016, will be lining up against his former side on Wednesday.
- Bengaluru FC are yet to concede a goal in the I-League this season.