Durand Cup 2022 Preview: Mumbai City, Rajasthan United eye top spot in Group B

Both teams are currently tied on four points each after two games.

Group Leaders Mumbai City and Rajasthan United go head to head on Monday at the Kishore Bharati Stadium in Kolkata. After a solid start to their campaign against the Indian Navy, Mumbai City drew 1-1 with ATK Mohun Bagan in the next game.

Rajasthan United, on the other hand, are on a roll. They trounced the Mariners on the opening matchday before holding East Bengal to a goalless draw. This game has the potential to decide the winner of the group. With confident displays in their previous encounters, both sides will back themselves to secure all three points.

The Stakes

Mumbai City FC

Mumbai City have given a good account of themselves so far in the Durand Cup. They defeated Indian Navy 4-1 in the opener, a scoreline that their forwards should've glossed over. New signings Rostyn Griffiths, Alberto Noguera, and Jorge Pereyra Diaz look right at home in Des Buckingham's system.

[KH_ADWORDS type="4" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]

In the following game against hosts ATK Mohun Bagan, they felt the early heat from the Mariners. However, they did well to mount a comeback. Buckingham threw on Pereyra Diaz, who immediately rewarded him with a thumping header. Mumbai are hungry to clinch their first piece of silverware for the season, and a win against RUFC all but secures their qualification to the knockout stages.

Rajasthan United FC

RUFC have established themselves as giant killers after their victory over ATK Mohun Bagan in the opener. Their draw vs East Bengal means they are yet to bow down to any ISL side. The Pink Army will look to protect that record when they take on 2020/21 ISL Champions Mumbai City FC.

Pushpender Kundu's men have shown great athleticism, energy and spirit over their two games. Their performances will give them a massive confidence boost ahead of just their second I-League season.

Team News

Mumbai City will be without the services of Amey Ranawade, who picked up an injury against Mohun Bagan. Their foreigners and other Indian players should be available for the clash. Des Buckingham will have a headache over picking his foreigners ahead of the clash.

Rajasthan United go into the game with a fully fit squad.

[KH_ADWORDS type="3" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]

Head-to-Head

The two sides have never faced each other and will look to register their maiden win on Monday.

Probable Lineups

Mumbai City FC: Lachenpa (GK); Rahul Bheke, Mehtab, Rostyn Griffiths, Vignesh; Ahmed Jahouh, Apuia; Alberto Noguera, Vikram Pratap Singh, Bipin Singh; Greg Stewart.

Rajasthan United FC: Niraj Kumar (GK); Hardik Bhatt, Jagdeep Singh, Melroy Assisi, Aidar, Lalliansanga; Bektur, William Neihsial, Lalremsanga; Youssef Atriss, Sergio Barboza

Man to Watch

Greg Stewart

Winner of the ISL 2021/22 Golden Ball, Greg Stewart has the ability to make a difference whenever he is on the pitch. The former Rangers man was crucial in every Mumbai City attack against ATKMB. His combination with the wily Alberto Noguera will cause a lot of damage to opposition defenses in the long season ahead.

The Scotsman is also on set pieces, alongside Ahmed Jahouh and will trouble the Rajasthan United defence from freekicks and corners.

[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News |ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

Bektur Amangeldiev

The Kyrgyz midfielder has been an important player for Rajasthan United in this campaign. Traditionally a defensive midfielder, Bektur managed to get on the scoresheet against ATK Mohun Bagan. The Pink Army will look to Amangeldiev to both rally their defence and orchestrate their attack against a strong MCFC side.

Did you know

• RUFC are the first side from Rajasthan in 40 years to participate in the Durand Cup
• This is Mumbai City's maiden Durand Cup campaign.
• Mumbai City are the first Indian club to win a game in the AFC Champions League

Telecast

The match between Rajasthan United FC and Mumbai City will take place at the Kishore Bharati Stadium. The game will kick off at 3 pm IST. The same will be telecasted on Sports18 – Sports18 1 SD & HD, Sports18 Khel (Hindi Commentary). It will also be streamed on Voot and JioTV.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook ,Twitter, Instagram, Youtube and join our community on Telegram.