The AIFF developmental side, Arrows, who had finished a lowly 13th in the previous I-League with just two wins, impressed in the recently-concluded Federation Cup with two draws and a win against Shillong Lajong.
The two draws were against I-League champions Dempo and Mumbai FC. Therefore, the young Arrows side are expected to be upbeat even without their Australian coach Arthur Papas, who could not make it due to visa problem.
"The good showing at the Fed Cup result will surely inspire the boys and we hope to give Mumbai FC a tough challenge," assistant coach Aaron Simon said after the team's practice today.
Taking a cue from the national coach Wim Koevermans, Papas has shaped the team's style on a quick passing game.
The boys will have their task cut out in the I-League, where they have to sustain a level of excellence over the next six-seven months.
Arrows are unbeaten against Mumbai FC in their last three meetings in the I-League as they would look forward to their key players in Holicharan Narzary, Alwyn George and Pritam Kotal to continue the good work.
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Mumbai FC coach Khalid Jamil, who has proved that he can ensure a good campaign when the chips were down, said he would want his team to get off to a winning start.
"My side is young and has lot of energy. I hope they are able to show their fighting spirit and give the team a winning start," Jamil said.
The Mumbai side, which finished 11th among 14 teams last season, would be looking to make a better start this time.
Jamil hoped the seniors in the side like Subhash Chakaraborty, Abhishek Yadav will lend solidity to the team alongside the foreigners like ND Opara and Islam Ameri of Afghanistan.
Match starts: 2.30pm.