A win against Bengaluru FC at home has put Mumbai City FC back into the hunt of getting the semi-final berth of the Indian Super League. With only three points separating them from the fourth-placed Odisha FC – having a game in hand- they now face a rather easy test against the bottom-placed Hyderabad FC at G. M. C. Balayogi Athletic Stadium on Friday.

Having enjoyed an impressive six-game unbeaten run in the season, Jorge Costa’s men slumped to two back-to-back defeats – against ATK and Odisha FC – but a stern comeback against the defending champions last week was a testament of their strong character. Now with just a handful of games to play, there is no margin for error.

The Islanders not only need three points to get on level terms with Odisha FC, but also need to up their goal difference (-2) if they are to get an upper hand in the point tally. However, given the run of form their striker Modou Sougou has enjoyed of late, this fixture remains a perfect opportunity.

Sougou – a man in form

Former Marseille striker Sougou experienced an unfortunate drought after failing to score in his first seven games of the season. The fortunes, however, turned for the better as he went on to score three in his last four appearances, with two of those coming against Hyderabad in a 2-1 win at home. The third came in a recent win over Bengaluru FC.

It’s not only about goals though, as the Senegalese has been very tactical of late by getting into more dangerous position and having more shots on goals. He took 6 shots in the 2 games against Odisha and ATK FC. A detailed comparison between his first seven games and his last four depicts a perfect picture.

 

First 7 Matches

Last 4 Matches

Minutes

494

360

Goals

0

3

Assists

2

0

Shots On Target

3

7

Shots Off Target

5

6

Total Shots Taken

8

13

Shots/Match

1.14

3.24

Minutes/Shot

61.75

27.70

It was, in fact, against Hyderabad that he scored his first goal of the season and took five shots in that match, out of which 4 were on target. His form will be crucial for Mumbai against a Hyderabad defense which has leaked most number of goals 31 goals in 13 matches (2.38 goals/match).

Where to strike Hyderabad?

Hyderabad FC have seen vague pattern this season. Out of their 31 goals conceded, they have conceded 10 goals (32.22%) in the 31-45’ minute period this season. They have, in fact, conceded 10 goals in their last three outings and 6 of them came in the last 15 minutes of the half.

Apart from that, a similar specimen follows them in the final 15 minutes. With eight goals (conceded in the final 15 minutes), Hyderabad have conceded the highest number of the goals by a team in the league. At the same time though, they have a knack of putting the ball into the net. The 76-90’ period is Hyderabad’s favourite period of the match to score, having netted seven of their 13 goals in that period (53.84%). 

Hyderabad are without a clean sheet this season and if the trend continues, they will hold the record of fewest clean sheets kept in a season, currently held by ATK (one clean sheet) during the 2015 edition of the Indian Super League.

Mumbai - a force to reckon with away from home

Prior to their defeat against Odisha FC, Mumbai City FC were unbeaten away from home. Regardless of their defeat though, they still have the best away record in the league; most points, most wins and fewest defeats.

Their opponents, on the other hand, carry a contrary record at home, as they have won just a solitary game in their seven home outings. No team has won fewer matches at home in this season. They have also conceded 11 goals in their 7 matches, which is the second highest amount of goals conceded by a team at home.

Feature image courtesy: Twitter / @MumbaiCityFC

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