Preview: Playoffs in mind, Mumbai City face SC East Bengal in must-win game

The Islanders are currently at fifth with 25 points.

A spot in the semifinal firmly in their minds, Mumbai City FC will go all guns blazing against rock-bottom SC East Bengal who have nothing to lose, in the Indian Super League at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda on Tuesday.

Mumbai are placed fifth in the points table, having 25 points from 16 matches and need a win to get back in the top four. Kerala Blasters are two points above them playing the same number of games.

The Stakes

Mumbai City FC

The defending champions lost to Jamshedpur FC in their last outing after racking up two wins on the bounce, and head coach Des Buckingham would hope his boys can arrest a spell of inconsistent run and get back to business when it matters.

"The mood in the camp has never been a problem. That's where you go back to having good people and good players. We are a family and there is a sense among this group. We are clear what we want as a group and until that's not possible we want to approach this game in an upbeat manner which will set us up for the final three games in the best position at the end of the season," Buckingham said at the pre-match press conference.

Ahmed Jahouh was substituted early on against Jamshedpur after getting injured. "It will depend (formation) on whether or not he will play. And also on East Bengal's style of play," said Buckingham when asked about what formation Mumbai will play with Jahouh being doubtful.

Asked if SC East Bengal's poor run of form will be an advantage, Buckingham said: "We've seen the other day, NorthEast United beat Bengaluru. We can't turn our attention away from performing at the top level against East Bengal. We played them once already and we dropped two points." The last time the two teams met, it ended in a 0-0 draw.

SC East Bengal

For SC East Bengal, it is all about ending the season on a high and not finishing at the foot of the table. The red and golds have won just one game so far and have also scored the joint fewest goals along with Chennaiyin FC. The Mario Rivera-coached side have also dropped too many points from winning positions.

"Mumbai City FC will need to win to reach the top four so the pressure will be on them. But they have big-game players who know how to deliver under pressure so it will not be an easy game for us too," he said before the game.

SC East Bengal will be missing the services of Hira Mondal, who has been one of their best performers, as the left-back picked up his fourth booking in the last game. Naocha Singh, who is on loan from Mumbai, will also not be available.

"Hira is a fantastic player and has a very distinctive set of skills. I talk to him a lot. If he keeps going like this and learns every day, he will be on the national team soon. But for now, he needs to learn more and correct his mistakes. He is on the right track," said Rivera.

Team news

Des Buckingham will miss the services of seasoned midfielder, Ahmed Jahouh as the scans from his injury have not been reviewed yet. The fact that the Moroccan is most likely to miss out on the fixture against East Bengal means that either Vinit Rai or Brad Inman could feature. Apart from him, the manager will have the services of all other players at his disposal as Mumbai City do not have any other suspensions or injuries onboard.

Adil Khan was absent in last match's team sheet, so he might be a notable absentee yet again. Apart from him, Balwant Singh is another player who most likely won't be available for Mario Rivera's side in tomorrow's game. Full-backs Hira Mondal and Naocha Singh are also out with suspensions.

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Probable Starting XI:

Mumbai City (4-2-3-1): Mohammed Nawaz (GK); Rahul Bheke, Mourtada Fall, Mehtab Singh, Vignesh; Lalengmawia, Vinit Rai; Lallianzuala Chhangte, Cassinho, Bipin Singh; Igor Angulo.

SC East Bengal (4-2-3-1): Sankar Roy (GK), Hira Mondal, Franjo Prce, Joyner Lourenco, Naocha Singh; Amarjit Singh Kiyam, Mohammed Rafique; Antonio Perosevic, Fran Sota, Jackichand Singh; Marcelo Ribeiro.

Did you know?

• Despite sitting in the last spot in the league table, East Bengal has the maximum number of draws among all other teams this season (seven).
• Both teams enter this clash off the back of a loss; East Bengal lost to Kerala in their last fixture as Mumbai City narrowly missed out on a point against Jamshedpur FC.
• The Islanders have faced the Red and Gold Brigade thrice in ISL history and have come away with a draw and two wins.

Telecast

Mumbai City FC vs SC East Bengal match will be played at the Fatorda Stadium in Margao on February 22 (Tuesday). The game is slated for a 07:30 pm kickoff. Star Sports will live telecast the match, while Disney+Hotstar and JIO TV have the live streaming rights.

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