Mumbai start their home campaign against Orissa tonight in Match 12 of the Indian Soccer League. They have a decent tally of 4 points after starting their campaign with back to back away games. Whereas Orissa have lost both of their games, also on the road.
It’s a game of two contrasting philosophies as Jorge Costa’s side like to sit back & hit teams on the break. While Josep Gombau has a more expansive approach with possession-based football. The newly branded franchise has leaked in 4 goals in the opening 2 games. While Mumbai are yet to concede riding on the performances of the high flying Amrinder Singh.
Mumbai began their campaign on a good note. After defeating Kerala in their first ever victory in Kochi, they earned a scrappy point against Chennai. A win tonight will see them go to the top of the table, albeit temporarily. The Portuguese would want the blues to build a fortress at home to strengthen their hopes for a playoff berth.
Mumbai are facing certain personnel problems due to injuries & suspensions. Mato Grgic & Modou Sougou have picked up injuries. Club captain Paul Machado also had a knock but should be able to feature. Sauvik Chakravarti is suspended after being sent off late against Chennai. For Orrisa, Carlos Delgado is unavailable as he was sent off in the game against Northeast.
It’s the West Coast vs the East Coast. One team wishes to stay on course while another is desperate to get some points on the board. Something’s got to give but one thing is for sure – We are going to have a cracker of a match tonight!
Predicted Line-ups –
Mumbai: Amrinder Singh, Hmingthanmawia, Sarthak Golui, Pratik Chaudhari, Subhasish Bose, Rowllin Borges, Raynier Fernandes, Paulo Machado, Mohamed Larbi, Serge Kevyn, Amine Chermiti.
Orissa: Francisco Dorronsoro, Diawandou Diagne, Rana Gharami, Gaurav Bora, Narayan Das, Marcos Tebar, Vinit Rai, Xisco Hernandez, Nanda Kumar, Jerry Mawhmingthanga, Aridane Santana.
SportsGuru Prediction –
Mumbai seem to be the better-balanced side out of these 2. We are going with a narrow 1-0 victory for the home team.
