I-League Media Team

MUMBAI: Mohun Bagan will be looking to stretch their lead at the top of the table when they take on a gritty Mumbai FC in a crucial Hero I-League encounter at the Cooperage Stadium on Saturday.
Bouyed by their win over Pune FC in the previous round, Bagan have arrived in Mumbai are high on confidence. The Mariners currently lead defending champions Bengaluru FC by three points and still have a game in hand. They, however, will miss the services of their in-form striker Balwant Singh, who was suspended for two matches by the AIFF disciplinary committee for indulging in an altercation with the referee during their loss to Royal Wahingdoh.
Coach Sanjoy Sen insisted he side is good enough to eke out a positive result despite the suspension to his key player. Foreign recuits Katsumi Yusa of Japan and Haiti’s Sony Norde have been star performers for Bagan. Both players have held the team together, scored crucial goals and set-up their teammates often during the course of the season. Striker Pierre Boya has been influential up front but he has had minor niggles which has kept him out of training. Sen said a final decision on his fitness will be taken before the match. In the defence, Bello Rasaq has been consistent and authoritative in his performances and Sen would be expecting more of the same from his foreign quartet against Mumbai FC.
But he knows Mumbai are a tough nut to crack, especially at home. With Khalid Jamil serving suspension, Henry Picardo managed the dug-out and under him, Mumbai have managed three straight draws but have found it tough to find the back of the net frequently.
Mumbai have dearly missed their industrious midfielder Taisuke Matsugae, who has been out of action after picking up a calf injury. Matsugae has been the chief creative source for Mumbai and in his absence, the team has struggled to stitch together a nice attacking move. “Taisuke is still injured unfortunately. He has been one of our star performers but injuries are a part and parcel of the game,” Jamil said.
Jayesh Rane has been a consistent performer for them but without much support from his midfield, the youngster hasn’t had the same impact as he had in earlier matches.
Mumbai, however, have been quick to close down their opponents, giving them little space and time on the ball. Picardo knows his side is second favourite in the tie but said they will go all out to end their winless run. “Bagan are a top side and they are leading the table for a reason. We really, really want to win this one but at the same time, we need to be cautious,” Jamil said.
For Bagan, the three points will be crucial as it will help them take another big step towards the elusive title.

Kick-off: 02-05-2015@7 PM
Hashtag: #MUMvMMB