I-league: Bengaluru look to earn first ever victory against Mumbai FC
Bengaluru FC will look to switching gears as their I-League football title charge enters the home stretch with a vital game against Mumbai FC at the Kanteerava Stadium here on Saturday.
Three points adrift of leaders Mohun Bagan and with a game in hand, coach Ashley Westwood knows that a positive result in this fixture will put them well and truly on course for another title showdown.
In news that has bolstered the mood in the camp, midfielder Eugeneson Lyngdoh marks his return a little after two months since fracturing his fibula against Mumbai FC at the Cooperage.
But it needs to be seen whether Westwood will hand the No.14 a start.
"Eugene is back to full fitness. We're going to assess him today and see where he is mentally. Physically he's right there," said Westwood in a Bengaluru FC release on Friday.
Skipper Sunil Chhetri however, is more of a doubtful starter, not having completely recovered from a groin strain that kept him out of the two World Cup qualifiers against Iran and Turkmenistan.
"Sunil had an issue before he went for the camp which is why he didn't play for India. We will do what is best for his long-term future and will be guided by how he feels," Westwood said.
Bengaluru are yet to beat Mumbai in five meetings in the League but Westwood brushed aside the fact that there was any profound logic behind the string of results.
"There is no problem, just a bit of co-incidence really. Thinking back to one of our early games, we played well but conceded late. We really dominate possession when we play against them but they make themselves hard to break down. They are good at stifling games. Tomorrow, we just need to be confident, have faith in our abilities and take the fight to them," he said.