Two back-to-back defeats for Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super League means that there is no margin for error for Jorge Costa from this point. The route to the play-offs, however, isn’t an easy one, as they now cross paths with the defending champions, Bengaluru FC at home – a venue where they haven’t really asserted any authority as of this season.
A win against Hyderabad FC in match week 10 remains Mumbai’s solitary victory at home, and given Bengaluru’s recent run of form, Costa needs to come up with a top-notch plan to arrest their slide. The Blues, having won two games on the trot, carry an exemplary record both home and away this season. They are, in fact, the only side who have conceded less than 10 goals this season (7).
As far as their away form is concerned, they have only conceded three goals as of now, which is the lowest in the league.
The two teams played an absolute spectacle the last time they met, with Rowllin Borges’ 94th minute goal proving out to be the winner for the Islanders. The tables, however, might turn given the fact that captain Sunil Chhetri has found his scoring boots.
Chhetri, a big concern for Mumbai City FC
Chhetri, who scored an 89th minute penalty against Mumbai in December, has scored five goals in his last five appearances and will look to add more to his tally on Friday. As for Bengaluru, regardless of their supreme defensive structure, they have failed to find the net in their away trips this season, having notched just 5 goals away from home (third lowest in the league).
It is safe to say that The Blues are extremely reliant on their captain for scoring goals, but the fact remains that the likes of Dimas Delgado and Ashique Kuruniyan have found their feet at the right time, which too remains a concern for the home team.
Mumbai will want to improve their home record
The Islanders provide a boost to the away team because they have only picked four points in their five home fixtures this season, which is the lowest by any team. They are, in fact, one among two teams who haven’t kept a clean sheet at home this season along with NorthEast United FC.
|
Points at home for MCFC after 5 home matches |
||||
|
Season |
Wins |
Draws |
Losses |
Points |
|
2014 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
10 |
|
2015 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
9 |
|
2016 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
7 |
|
2017-18 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
9 |
|
2018-19 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
10 |
|
2019-20 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
4 |
Furthermore, out of the 21 goals Mumbai have conceded this season, 12 have come at home, meaning almost 57% of the goals have been conceded at home, which is the joint 2nd worst in terms of proportion of goals conceded at home. That coupled with the fact that they allow their opponent an average of 14.60 shots/match on average is another worry to take note of.
Mumbai haven’t scored a goal in last two games and it is about time their strikers take charge.
Feature image courtesy: Twitter / @bengalurufc
