Mumbai host Minerva in desperate need of a win

A spell of eight games without a win has led to questions on the position of head coach Santosh Kashyap...

Mumbai FC host Minerva Punjab in the I-League at Copperage Ground on Sunday evening.

The hosts started their season well with wins in their first two games but are now without a win in their last eight outings. The barren spell has meant that rumblings of discontent in the camp have come to the surface. Members of the squad revolted against the release of their key players in i defenders Pratik Choudhury, Allan Dias and skipper Steven Dias. Amidst the disharmony a win on Sunday is even more crucilal for the Yellow Submarines.

On the other habd visitors Minerva are on the upswing and are undefeated in their last five games with two wins. The Punjab outfit will look to continue the good run of form.

Team News

Mumbai have no injury concerns or suspensions ahead of this one, but it will be interesting to see what combination underfire head coach Santosh Kashyap decides to go with.

Minerva too have all their players available and boss Surinder Singh is unlikely to tinker with the team that nicked a 9-goal thriller in Goa.

Head to Head

Minerva won the only top flight meeting between the two teams which took place earlier in the season.

Coach's Corner

Santosh Kashyap (Mumbai FC):  “Excellent I believe, we were in a bad phase and we couldn’t win last time around, we couldn’t play to our abilities in the away game and also away matches are always challenging. But since then we have improved coming after six losses to two draws against Mohan Bagan and Bengaluru FC. We could have won against Mohan Bagan in the first half itself. So we are very confident of tomorrow’s game and look for a win.”

Surinder Singh (Minerva Punjab): "In the beginning it was difficult but we have improved the team in gelling well and boys have performed so the results are good. Definitely, they are a good team, drawing against Mohun Bagan and Bengaluru FC, they have also managed to win their first two home games so it will be tough but we are prepared.”

Man to Watch

Thoi Singh-Mumbai FC: The midfielder started the season in good form scoring the winner in the opening gane against DSK Shivajians, but his form has tapered off since. Thoi has both attacking and controlling responsibilities for Mumbai in the middle of the park and he will be the creative fulcrum of the team against  Minerva. The former Bengaluru FC man will have to be on top form in his team are to retur to winning ways tomorrow.

David Ngaihte-Minerva Punjab: The Manipur winger was one of the star performers in his team's win against Churchill Be=rothers. His pace and directness on the wings will once again be be crucial against a Mumbai back four that has been shaky all season.

Probable Line-ups

Mumbai FC: Kattimani, Munmun, Sharityar, Reagan, Chintarao, Densill, Wadoo, Thoi, Farukh, Alex, Anderson.

Minerva Punjab: Arnab Das; Kamalpreet (U-22), Loveday (C), Nurain, Arashpreet; Simranjeet, Souvik, Vinit; Amobi, Bodo, Ngaihte