Mumbai FC vs Shillong Lajong Match Preview

Mumbai, April 2: Mumbai FC are keen to put behind their unexpected 1-3 loss to Salgaocar SC, Goa in the previous round, and are now determined on focusing their efforts towards a good showing when they clash with Shillong Lajong in an 11^th round I-League match at the Cooperage ground on Friday evening. Mumbai FC is sponsored by Playwin.

The Mumbai FC coach Khalid Jamil and the players, like true sportsmen have taken that setback in their stride and want to start afresh by bouncing back with a positive result against the visitors from Shillong.

“We have to forget about the last match as our performance was not very good. Now it’s very important that we play well tomorrow, especially against Shillong Lajong. We have to try and come on top and give our full 100% in the match,” pointed out Jamil at a pre-match press briefing.

“Tomorrow is a do-or-die situation for us. We have to perform well and win as the expectations are high, since we have not won for a long time,” he said.

The 37-year-old Jamil was also guarded against the visitors and mentioned that they would be tough to beat. “I watched their last match against Sporting Clube de Goa and they more or less have the same team which cannot be taken lightly. Most of their players have played in the ISL and are an experienced outfit,” he further stated.

Goalkeeper Nidhinlal A.C. has recovered from his hand injury and will regain his place in the starting line-up and so does medio Sampath Kuttymani who returns after serving a one match suspension after he was red carded in the match against Pune FC.

However, Mumbai could miss the services of their inspirational Japanese midfielder Taisuke Matsugae, who is nursing a calf strain and coach Jamil will take a decision on whether he will be included or who will replace him on Friday.

The Mumbai FC defence will have to be at their best and try to ward off any threats from the Shillong attackers, in particular Cornell Glen, Penn Orji and Boithang Haokip.

On the other Shillong Lajong 40-year-old coach Thangboi Singto pointed out that the hot humid weather would be a major factor for his team and that it would be difficult to play against Mumbai FC who will have the home support. “It’s always good to know that you an advantage, but this is a new match at a new venue and the conditions are very different. Mumbai FC have done well at home and we will have to try and do our best if we hope to win against them. They are a strong, physical team with taller players,” said coach Singto.

The match will start at 7.00PM.