Preview: SC East Bengal search for maiden win in ISL 2021-22 in Mumbai City clash

After nine rounds, the Red and Gold Brigade are yet to win a match this season.

The search for their first win of the campaign still on, SC East Bengal look to take confidence from their dogged display in the last game and put it across Mumbai City FC when the two sides meet in the 2021-22 Indian Super League at the Tilak Maidan Stadium on Friday.

The Stakes

SC East Bengal

The red and golds have had a wretched campaign so far, failing to win any of their nine games so far. They are languishing rock-bottom in the points table with just five points. The Kolkata side parted ways with Jose Manuel Diaz before the game against Bengaluru FC and named Renedy Singh as the interim coach.

The former India captain oversaw a spirited performance against the Blues. However, SCEB only managed to eke out a point from the fixture, making it two draws in two games for the beleaguered outfit. Renedy, who has been the assistant coach for SC East Bengal since last season, drew plaudits for his first-ever assignment as the head coach as SC East Bengal went ahead in the first half only to throw away the advantage courtesy an own goal.

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

The defence looked in better shape for the first time this season and Renedy can take heart from the fact that his charges showed a newfound fighting spirit that was missing.

"I was really happy with the way boys fought and defended in the last game. The only question now is when we get the ball, can we play with a little bit more confidence and that is what we all are working on right now. Mumbai City is one of the best-attacking sides in the league. We have to make the game more difficult for the opponent. If we allow them to play, they can punish us," Renedy said.

Mumbai City FC

At the other end of the spectrum, Mumbai City were dethroned from the top of the heap by Hyderabad FC on Wednesday. Des Buckingham's side can only blame themselves for that. Winless in the last three outings, Mumbai could only pick up one point from them, failing to win their previous fixture against Odisha FC.

The goals have kept coming for the reigning champions, but it is their rearguard that has not clicked of late. Mumbai City have conceded three goals or more in their last three matches. The Islanders have also dropped eight points from winning positions this season. Five of those points have been dropped in the last three outings.

"We have made too many mistakes collectively as a team and also individually in the last game. We are looking at it in the context of the nine games as opposed to the last three. Across the nine games, we have played some good football," Buckingham said.

"Whenever you play a team that has had a change in coach, you see an uplift not only in performance but results as well. We are very aware of it and the threat they pose. But the focus is on us. We need to be more consistent," added the Briton.

Team News

The home team is riddled with injuries. Darren Sidoel, Jackichand Singh, Raju Gaikwad, Franjo Prce, and Tomislav Mrcela are either recovering or out with injury. Antonio Perosevic is still serving his five-match suspension.

Mumbai City FC has a fully-fit squad to choose from, barring Rowllin Borges who is suffering from a knee injury. The defending champions have also announced the arrival of midfielder Vinit Rai from Odisha.

Head-to-Head

With SC East Bengal, making their ISL debut only last season, both teams have faced each other only twice with Mumbai City winning on both occasions. They win the first game by a 3-0 margin and edged the second game 1-0.

Probable Lineups

SC East Bengal: Arindam Bhattacharya (GK); Joyner Lourenco, Adil Khan, Daniel Gomes, Hira Mondal; Amarjit Singh, Wahengbam Angousana, Amir Dervisevic, Lalrinliana Hnamte; Semboi Haokip, Daniel Chima.

Mumbai City FC: Mohammad Nawaz (GK); Amey Ranawade, Mourtada Fall, Rahul Bheke, Vignesh Dakshinamurthy; Lalengmawia Ralte, Ahmed Jahouh; Raynier Fernandes, Cassinho, Bipin Singh; Igor Angulo.

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

Did You Know?

• Mumbai City FC is the highest scoring team so far in this season. (22 goals)
• Mourtada Fall was the sole goal-scorer in MCFC’s 1-0 victory over SCEB last season in January, 2021.
• SC East Bengal is yet to win against the Islanders in the Indian Super League.

Telecast

The SC East Bengal vs Mumbai City FC match in ISL 2021-22 will take place at the Tilak Maidan in Vasco. The game will kick-off at 7:30 pm IST. Star Sports Network will LIVE telecast the match, while live streaming is available on the Disney+Hotstar platform and the JioTV app.

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