Mohun Bagan will look to shrug off
the disappointment of their nightmarish campaign in the AFC Champions League qualifier when they take on Mumbai FC in a fifth round away game of the I-League football tournament, here tomorrow.
Defending champions Bagan, who are currently placed third in the league table with 10 points from four games, will be aiming to continue their unbeaten run in the blue riband tourney.
For Mohun Bagan, the return of Trinidad and Tobago World Cupper Cornel Glenn in the playing XI after missing out the match against Chinese side Shandong Luneng, which the green and maroon brigade lost 0-6, will be a big boost. Glenn did not play that game due to visa-related issues.
With four goals in as many matches, the striker would be itching to add more goals to his tally although he will not have Balwant Singh for company upfront. Balwant is still recovering from a shin bone injury.
However, with Sony Norde operating down wide left and in -form Jeje Lalpheklhua lurking in the 18-yard box, Mumbai FC will expect to have a tough time.
The advantage for both Bagan and Mumbai FC will be the AIFF rules that allow them to field a side without the mandatory U-22 players.
The U-22 players are exempted for next two rounds due to South Asian Games. Bagan will miss their side back Pritam Kotal.
"Mumbai FC are a shade better team than previous editions. Also Cooperage grind is slightly smaller in size which makes it easier to defend," Bagan coach Sanjoy Sen said ahead of the match.
Mumbai FC have Arata Izumi and Son Min-chol upfront, scoring goals is not expected to be much of a problem for the visitors.
