After eight matches, Sporting Clube are fourth with 11 points where as the home side is sixth on the nine-team table standings with nine points.
Both the sides have faced defeats in their previous matches. Sporting Clube were beaten by defending champions Mohun Bagan 0-1 and Mumbai FC lost to newcomers Aizawl FC 0-2.
Mumbai will, however, want to keep in mind that all three points from the game will help them replace Sporting Clube as the fourth placed side. On the other hand, a win for the visitors will get them within touching distance of Bengaluru FC, who are third with 15 points.
Both the teams will therefore want to do their homework right, before the game. But then again, what preparation in the world can stop Sporting Clube’s Okolie Odafa from scoring?
The Nigerian has netted five already this season from eight appearances and is a threat to any opposition as long as he is on the pitch. The Mumbai defence which include Michol Son and they will have their task cut out to stop the dreaded attacker who has become a legend of the league over the years.
Mumbai can be a force to reckon with if they are given space up front. Arata Izumi, Jayesh Rane have pace and the skills needed to outfox rival defenders and score.
“This is a very crucial match for us. The gap between the teams is very slim and every point makes a huge difference,” Sporting Clube coach Mateus Costa mentioned.
“Such away matches are tricky, the home side has a strong record here we can’t lose our focus at this point. Yes we have beaten them back in Goa but these are different circumstances and we are aware about the same,” said Costa.
Speaking about Mumbai FC, Costa informed, “Without any doubts they have a fine side, the latest additions have been interesting too. They have a right mix of youth and experience which is crucial for league like this. We have seen them play and made our observations so will stick to what we are come here to do.”
Sporting Clube will have a huge boost ahead of their match against Mumbai as their striker Victorino Fernandes and midfielder Mahmoud Al Amna has travelled with the team. However, the worrying factor will be the fitness of Densill Theobald who is nursing an injury back home.
“We do not want to take any risks, we have two important matches back home and he is a key component of our plan,” said Costa.
