I-League Media

Kolkata: Stung by their first reversal of the campaign, former champions Mohun Bagan would look to get their defence in order and pull off a win against wooden spoon holders Mumbai FC in a Hero I-League tie at the Rabindra Sarovar Stadium on Wednesday (March 8, 2017).

A revamped Churchill Brothers under new coach Derrick Pereira put it across the mariners in a 2-1 verdict in the last fixture and coach Sanjoy Sen, on the eve of the game, minced no words in saying that his troops have to reorganise and win what is a must-win tie to keep the pressure on table toppers Kingfisher East Bengal.

“We conceded child-like goals in the last game. We have to pay for our mistakes if we keep leaking such poor goals. This is a match where we need to turn around,” Sen told reporters on the eve of the tie.

For Bagan, Darryl Duffy is out with a groin injury.

“I have seen Mumbai’s style and they might play for a point tomorrow. Our lack of communication in the backline is a cause for worry. We need to rectify that. I have pointed it out categorically to my players,” Sen added.

For Mumbai, who are struggling at the bottom of the heap, Brazilian Alex Willian will be unavailable due to a groin niggle.

“Mohun Bagan are a well-balanced team. They are playing perfect football and getting good results. We will try our best,” Santosh Kashyap said.

“I never go for one point. We hit the post twice and could have won in the first half (in the first meeting in Mumbai where it was 0-0),” he added.

Jeje Lalpekhlua and Balwant Singh are the strikers available to Sen in the absence of Duffy who has been in good form.

Defender Eduardo Ferreira has had a patchy run of form and along with Anas Edathodika, the duo has to get their act right.

After 10 matches, Bagan are on 21 points while Mumbai just have nine points to show for from 12 outings.

The match is scheduled at 04:30 PM and it’ll be telecast on Ten 2.