Mumbai FC face tough test against leaders Churchill Bros

Pune - Mumbai FC will have their task cut out when they host table-toppers Churchill Brothers SC in I-League Round 18 encounter at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Balewadi here Thursday.

The hosts go into the game high on confidence after beating Prayag United SC 2-1 Saturday. Coach Khalid Jamil praised his side’s performance after they played their hearts out. The win also helped Mumbai FC achieve the double over the team from Kolkata.

The Balewadi Stadium has proved to be a happy hunting ground for the hosts as they have lost only once while winning six and drawing two of the nine matches played at the venue so far.

The coach will be happy to have the services of skipper Haroon Amiri again after he missed the last game due to suspension. His inclusion will definitely bolster the defence in trying to keep three of the league’s top scorers in Roberto Silva (Beto), Henri Antchouet and Akram Moghrabi at bay.

In the attack, striker Gabriel Fernandes has been in good form while Yusif Yakubu too has been causing problems to the opposition defences. The midfield will most likely be the same from the previous match barring few positional changes.

Churchill Brothers, on the other hand, come into the game in top form winning their last six matches scoring 27 goals in the process. Skipper Amiri and the backline will have a job on their hand when the two teams meet.

The hosts are currently sixth the table and a win Thursday will take them into the top-5. However the job won’t be easy as Mumbai FC has only won once in 10 previous games against Churchill.