I-LEAGUE Media Team

GOA: Mumbai FC will hope to continue with their unbeaten streak in the competition as they take on Salgaocar FC in a Hero I-League clash at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Saturday.

Mumbai FC have remained unbeaten in six matches in the Hero I-League and have jumped much above the relegation zone. In the last six matches alone, they have had three wins, including one away against Bharat FC and three creditable draws at home.

A win on Friday against Salgaocar FC, coach Khalid Jamil knows, will take them into the top half and the former India midfielder is keen to continue with the momentum.

“This is an away match and against Salgaocar which is a good, strong team. They also have the home advantage and it will be difficult to beat them,” said Jamil.

Jamil, though, needs no reminding that Mumbai FC had scored a convincing 3-0 victory over their Goan rivals when the two teams met at the Cooperage in the first leg. Mumbai FC have been rock-solid with their performances, although Jamil is not leaving anything to chance.

“That was an entirely different game,” said the Mumbai FC coach, whose team managed a creditable draw against Pune FC in the last game despite having a player sent off in the first half itself.

Salgaocar FC have struggled for form this season but Derrick Pereira’s boys have provided ample proof that no opposition can take them for granted. Plagued by injuries, Derrick has not had the team together for several matches and tomorrow will be no different as several players continue to remain on the sidelines.

Despite having an injury-ravaged team, Derrick’s boys gave a creditable performance against defending champions Bengaluru FC in the last match at Fatorda and only lost to a late goal. Derrick will continue to show faith in the same team that kept Bengaluru FC at bay for most part of the match.

Salgaocar are currently placed seventh on the league ladder with 11 points and if the manage a win they could switch places with the visitors from Mumbai and occupy the sixth spot. Both these teams have plenty to play for.

Match KO: 4:30 PM IST
Hashtag: #SFCvMUM