I-League: Mumbai FC look to bounce back to winning ways; host Shillong Lajong

Mumbai FC will relish the challenge of facing Shillong Lajong FC at home as they aim to resurrect their campaign in an I-League Round-6 encounter at the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune on Wednesday.

The hosts will be eager to shrug off the disappointment of a 1-3 loss against leaders Salgaocar FC in the last round which ended their unbeaten run.

Mumbai FC will be looking to bounce back and secure their first home win of the season against a side they have always beaten at home.

The game on the morrow will be crucial for both sides who will be looking to kickstart their individual campaigns after a run of disappointing results.

Coach Khalid Jamil was positive ahead of the Round 6 clash and said, “We need to move on and concentrate on the match against Shillong Lajong. They are a good side and we need to work hard to get all three points”.

Shillong come into the game after a 1-1 draw at home against United SC which ended their run of two consecutive defeats. After winning their league opener away against Dempo SC, Shillong’s run of four consecutive home matches failed to yield a victory and will be a tough nut to crack.

Mumbai FC, on the other hand, have scored in all games at home this season; but failure to get the second goal hasn’t helped them. Jamil hopes that the strike pair of Sandjar Ahmadi and Orok Essien forms a solid partnership soon.

The team will be out with a change in the game plan on Wednesday and a few changes in the starting line-up are expected. Youngster Jayesh Rane getting on the scoresheet against Salgaocar was a positive sign for the hosts and he might play an extended part tomorrow.

Historically, this fixture at home has always seen Mumbai FC produce wins while scoring goals aplenty. In three meetings at home so far, the hosts have racked in nine goals compared to the visitors’ three.

This might be something for the hosts to take inspiration from ahead of their clash on Wednesday whilst hoping for similar result.

The match kicks off at 7.00 pm on Wednesday.