BANGALORE (India): Bengaluru FC will host Mumbai City FC in a Round Eight clash of the Indian Super League on Sunday.
The second-placed Bengaluru will look to make the most of Jamshedpur FC’s draw with Kerala Blasters on Friday, and consolidate their position at the top half of the table.
Mumbai City will be keen to halt a winless run that extends to six games — one that has seen them languish on eighth position.
“Three points will be vital for us. Teams have played out far too many draws which is why everyone is within touching distance of a playoff spot,” said Bengaluru coach Carles Cuadrat. “A win will help us increase the gap between competitors on the table.”
Bengaluru haven’t exactly been prolific, but their forwards will be up against a defence that’s leaked more goals (13).
In contrast, Bengaluru have conceded just the two goals all season and Mumbai’s leading goalscorer, Tunisian Amine Chermiti will have his work cut out.
“Mumbai are one of the teams that have done well to retain most of the squad from last season, and that helps. They need a win to get their season back on track, so we know what we will be up against,” added Cuadrat.
Mumbai City coach Jorge Costa has opted to field an all-Indian backline, making an exception at times when he has started with Mato Grgic.
The Blues’ Spanish striker Manuel Onwu will miss out with an ankle injury.
