Jorge Costa hints on spirited gameplay, John Gregory praises Mumbai City

A draw or win will allow the Islanders to register the longest unbeaten streak in their history.

Mumbai City FC have enjoyed a good run in the Hero Indian Super League this season but there is still plenty of work to be done for Jorge Costa's side. They will look to continue with their winning ways as they take on a beleaguered Chennaiyin FC at the Mumbai Football Arena on Thursday.

The Islanders are on a five-match unbeaten run, winning four games. If they manage to avoid defeat against Chennaiyin, it will be their best unbeaten run in the history of the ISL. Much of that credit has to go to their mean defence which has leaked in a mere two goals since conceding five against FC Goa.

Coaches' Corner

Jorge Costa (Mumbai City FC)

Mumbai seemed to have turned their season around after the thumping in Goa and since then, have looked a different outfit altogether, especially with their foreign players stepping up to the plate.

“We have changed a lot of things compared to last season. We did not have a lot of time at the beginning of the season. We needed time to adjust. Now we have no excuses and we need to keep working and fighting for the three points,” said Costa.

Paulo Machado continues to be the chief orchestrator for Costa’s side in midfield and Arnold Issoko’s direct running on the right flank has also caused a lot of trouble to the opposition defences.

Modou Sougou hasn’t been on the score-sheet since their 1-0 win in Chennai and Thursday’s game is an opportunity for him to increase his tally against Chennaiyin FC’s disjointed defence which has shipped in 19 goals.

John Gregory (Chennaiyin FC)

Chennaiyin FC coach John Gregory was also appreciative of their opponents. “I think they have a well-balanced team. I like Arnold, it’s very hard to shake him off the ball. (Matias) Mirabaje is great too but I think he’s been injured frequently. I also like the captain (Lucian Goian) but I think the strength of Mumbai lies in their teamwork. They don’t have any weak areas as such and are well-balanced,” said Gregory.

Chennaiyin FC have had a season to forget so far having amassed five points from their opening 10 games. They have eight matches to go and in coach John Gregory’s words, they need a ‘miracle’ to make it into the top four.

“We’re a long way off from the play-offs and I think we need to win all the remaining eight games to even stand a chance of getting anywhere near the play-offs. But football being football, nothing is impossible. We need to win some points for our pride as I think we have performed nowhere to our standards this season,” said the Englishman.

The Marina Machans, however, wouldn’t want to throw in the towel as they will want to prove a point or two. The players are certainly under pressure as the big names have failed to live up to the billing.

Jeje Lalpekhlua has endured his worst season in the ISL with no goals to show for his efforts. Jerry Lalrinzuala too has looked shaky at the back and hasn’t had the same impact when going forward.

Mohammed Rafi, the experienced striker, could possibly get a chance to start as Gregory would look to chop and change in order to arrest their slide.

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Team News

Mumbai City FC

For the Islanders, multiple changes in the starting lineup is expected. One between Raynier Fernandes and Milan will start the game against the defending champions. Raphael Bastos will likely replace Modou Sougou in the squad. Veteran defender Anwar Ali has not yet recovered fully and will remain doubtful for the game.

Chennaiyin FC

The Marina Machans will be having their full strength against the Islanders. However, Anirudh Thapa might be getting the nod ahead of Inigo Calderon against the Mumbaikars.

Probable Lineups

Mumbai City FC- Amrinder (GK), Souvik, Goian, Lourenco, Bose, Issoko, Raynier, Sehnaj, Machado, Bastos, Bipin.

Chennaiyin FC- Ghosh (GK), Renthlei, Alves, Sabia, Lalrinzuala, Thapa, Germanpreet, Fernandes, Augusto, Nelson, Jeje.

Did You Know?

• Mumbai City are now on a five-game unbeaten streak (four wins, one draw).
• Chennaiyin have conceded the second highest goals (19) in the ISL so far. Only FC Pune City have conceded more goals (21).
• A win against Chennaiyin will allow Mumbai City to move to the second or third spot in the standings, depending on the result of the NorthEast United-Bengaluru FC match.

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Broadcast

The match will take place on Thursday at 7:30 PM at Mumbai Football Arena. On television, the match will be live on Star Sports. Meanwhile, it will also be streamed on Hotstar and Jio TV.