Mumbai: Unbeaten in their past three games, last season’s semi-finalists Mumbai City will look to get closer to a top four berth when they take on a rejuvenated Kerala Blasters at the Mumbai Football Arena on Sunday.
Just two points far from the top four, the ‘Islanders’ have lost just one of their four home games this campaign, which since last year have built up to become a fortress for the Maharashtran club. But Kerala Blasters after an initial struggle, have got the bug off their back and now look a different side under the new coach David James.
Of the two games the former English goalkeeper has managed so far, the Blasters have won one while drawing the other. But a victory here can take them to sixth, on par with Mumbai and if they come out with a 7-0 scoreline in their favour, they can displace the ‘Islanders’ into fifth.
It was 1-1 when the two squared off last time in Kochi, but Mumbai coach Alexandre Guimarães contemplates the game on Sunday will altogether be a different fixture.
“A new coach shakes up everyone – those being left on the bench, those starting, everyone. They have won a very important game away and it has made them alive and that is a warning for us that we cannot give them any chances,” said the Costa Rica tactician.
But having said that Guimarães was confident of his team’s ability, who he believes are more than capable of just making the play-offs. “Our first goal of the season was to finish close to the playoff spots at the halfway stage and I think we’ve accomplished that,” he said. Adding, “This has put us in a good situation to continue to compete and we hope that we can make the most from run of home games now. I am very confident that we have the resources and the players to fight till the end and be in the top four-that is for sure.”
David James on the other felt that his side will have a slight advantage given the extra rest they have had-and that meant for work for the physios to get his side ready for games in quick succession. But Mumbai will be no Delhi and the ‘Men in Yellow’ will require more than just good football to defeat the ‘Islanders’.
“Mumbai have a different style of play compared to Delhi – we have to adapt ourselves to that style,” said the former Liverpool custodian who also added, “Fortunately we have a good coaching staff and have had the opportunity to prepare. As much as the win was enjoyable against Delhi, this is about another away game and we still have to do some things right which we were not able to.”
After just one win and two defeats in their previous seven encounters, that also had four draws, the Blasters have looked a different team ever since James took up the reins from the Dutchman René Meulensteen.
“It was important that we were disciplined and showed no fear. We had to get the result, especially given the results around us,” said James. He will also be happy about Iain Hume, who scored an important hat-trick against Delhi after looking a shadow of himself under the former Manchester Untied assistant Meulensteen.