Fatorda (Goa), May 16 (IANS) Back to full strength, Mumbai FC are all geared up for the challenge against Dempo SC in a 21st round I-League match to be played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Sunday evening.
Mumbai FC coach Khalid Jamil returns to the hot seat after serving a four-match suspension. They will be further bolstered with attacking Japanese midfielder Taisuke Matsugae, set to make a comeback after recovering from a long calf injury lay-off.
“We have been working hard during the break over the last two weeks and have worked out different strategies which we plan to execute tomorrow as I am determined to get a positive result. I have instructed my players that they have to stay focused and give more than 100 percent as a win is very important for us,” Jamil said.
The match is crucial for both teams as Mumbai FC and former champions Dempo, are not yet safe from the drop zone. The Mumbai outfit, with 17 points from as many games, presently occupy ninth position, just ahead of the Goan club, who are 10th with 16 points from the same number of matches. Sporting Clube de Goa sit at the bottom with 14.
The lone Mumbai team will also look to avenge their 0-1 defeat against Dempo in the last meeting at home. Carlos Hernandez had converted a late contentious penalty to give the Goans a win.
The good news for Mumbai FC is that their medio Matsugae will add depth to their attack and put pressure on the Dempo defence, Brazilian Josimar da Silva, who has so far scored seven goals, will continue to spearhead the attack in the company of Mohammed Rafi and Jayesh Rane.
Stopper Justine Stephen is also likely to regain his place alongside Chika Wali while wing backs Allan Dias and Rahul Bheke will complete the backline. Sampath Kuttymani and Ashutosh Mehta will have to once again produce a good performance in the midfield to support Matsugae and the defenders.
Goalkeeper Nidhinlal A.C. will miss the match due to a hand injury. Sanjiban Ghosh will come in as his substitute.
The Mumbai club can also draw confidence from the fact that they remained unbeaten in their last four games which have ended in identical 1-1 draws, including three tough away matches. They are also desperate for a win as their last success came, against Bharat FC, came in late February.
“The temperature is very hot but will not affect our team as the conditions are similar to back home in Mumbai,” Jamil explained.