The most in-form side in the Hero Indian Super League at the moment, Mumbai City FC host stuttering Atletico de Kolkata in Mumbai on Sunday, as they look to continue on their winning run.
Mumbai City FC, on a three match winning streak, will be thankful for the red hot form of the Indian national team captain, Sunil Chhetri, that has seen him score six goals in last three matches. Despite missing the initial few games, Chhetri is in the race for the golden boot and ita s believed that the motivation behind his red hot form lies with him being forced to take a pay cut for the ISL. The winning streak has put Mumbai City FC in a favourable place for the playoffs, while the defending champions Atletico de Kolkata seem to have veered off course with their three consecutive defeats.
Mumbai City FC marquee player cum manager, Nicolas Anelka, was chuffed with the current run of results and expects to extend his winning run with a victory at home over the defending champions Atletico de Kolkata.
a I am very pleased with the team right now. We had a difficult start but the team has responded well. I am pleased. We are playing at home and we will play to win. Ita s a different game and we go on the pitch knowing we have the home advantage. Of course, we want to win but we are playing a good team tomorrow. We have to try our best.a
Anelka was quick to praise Sunil Chhetria s goal scoring prowess, as Mumbai City FC turned their fortunes with the return of Chhetri from the national team duties.
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The former France national team striker said a I am happy with him. He is scoring. He is a big player for us. Good player, very pleased with him.a
Atletico de Kolkata, though, havena t had the best of season, with injuries forcing Antonio Lopez Habas to tinker around with the lineup. Habas is yet to find his correct combination after Helder Postigaa s injury. Atletico de Kolkata after three consecutive defeat, lie sixth on the table and will need something inspirational, if they are to retain any hope of progressing into the semifinals.
Atletico de Kolkata assistant coach Bastab Roy admitted that they will need to win every match if they are to cling on to the hopes of a spot in the playoffs.
a Every match is a knock out for us. Mumbai City is a good side and we are trying to overcome Mumbai.a
Roy was unruffled by the disappointing set of results, as he drew comparisons with rest of the world but a good news in store with Javi Lara and Jewel Raja returning from their respective injuries and will be available for selection.
a Ita s not a difficult task. It happens. We will come back,a
Image Courtesy: Indian Super League Media Team