ISL: Mumbai City FC look to do the double over Kerala Blasters
Mumbai: Mumbai City FC would look to complete their first double in the inaugural edition of Hero Indian Super League when they take on Kerala Blasters FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Wednesday evening.
The team, co-owned by Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor and Chartered Accountant Bimal Parekh, are currently in fourth spot with 10 points at the half-way stage of the tournament and would look to consolidate their position hereafter to ensure a berth in the semi-finals.
Coach Peter Reid has successfully managed to address the team’s problems in the defence that had plagued the team in the initial matches with Mumbai City FC managing three consecutive clean slates since their 5-1 loss against Chennaiyin FC.
The turnaround began with the game against Kerala Blasters at home with Reid doing away with his high pressing to provide more stability at the back and it would be interesting to see what changes his opposite number David James makes to find a way through the Mumbai City FC defence.
Speaking on the eve of the match, Reid said, "Kerala Blasters are a strong team and it is going to be a very interesting game. I would like to have all my top players playing the remaining games but it would also be a good opportunity for the others to perform in their absence."
Reid was obviously referring to the injury induced absence of his skipper Syed Rahim Nabi and marquee signing Freddie Ljungberg, both of whom are vital cogs in the team's wheel.
The other area of concern for the team has been their inability to convert moves into goals and it would be interesting to see whether Reid makes any changes to his starting XI to find more goals.