Struggling NorthEast host inconsistent Mumbai City

Mumbai City FC players warm up before the start of the match 27 of the Hero Indian Super League Struggling

Having picked up just four points from their opening five games in the fourth season of the Hero Indian Super League, NorthEast United FC are struggling in ninth position.

Mumbai City FC players warm up before the start of the match 27 of the Hero Indian Super League Struggling

Mumbai City FC players warm up before the start of the match 27 of the Hero Indian Super League between Mumbai City FC and ATK held at the Mumbai Football Arena, Mumbai India on the 17th December 2017
Photo by: Vipin Pawar / ISL / SPORTZPICS

João Carlos Pires de Deus’s side ha?s found it difficult to breach the opposition defence and score goals, so much so that the Highlanders have netted a grand total of two goals thus far.

Their opponents for tomorrow’s game at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Mumbai City FC, are facing nothing of that sort. Alexandre Guimarães team will, in fact, be yearning to relaunch their bid to overtake local rivals FC Pune City and occupy a spot in the top four of the table. This is something they failed to do in their last game, against ATK at home.

?While talking to reporters on Tuesday, João acknowledged that his team needs to score more goals. But the Portuguese emphasised that “it’s too early” to predict which four teams qualify for the business end of the season. “We have played five games but no one wins or loses the league after that many games. This is a different type of competition. Even the team that finishes at the top of the table doesn’t win the league. But, of course, we have to win more games and score more goals,” the Portuguese coach said.?

?NorthEast United FC will be without their first choice goalkeeper TP Rehenesh after he received a direct red card in their last game against Kerala Blasters. But more worryingly for him, it seems he has lost João’s confidence.

?When asked about his choice of goalkeeper for Wednesday’s game, João said,? ?”When we started the season, we had three keepers. Obviously TP played the first five because the coach though he was the best goalkeeper. Now the coach doesn’t think he is the best. Well, now I feel that Ravi Kumar is the best.”

M?umbai City FC will also be without midfielder Sehnaj Singh. The 24-year-old is serving a one-game suspension after having picked up his fourth yellow card of the season last time out. Guimarães, however, refused to reveal who will replace Sehnaj for the game. “It’s a long night. I still have to think about that,” he said.

Having played their last game just three days ago, the Costa Rican tactician did talk about their long travels and tough competition this season. “We played our last game last Sunday and we had to travel immediately for our next game. But it’s the same with all the teams and I’m looking forward to playing on this (NEUFC) pitch which is one of the best in the league.

Also Read: Lajong earn bragging rights of first North-eastern derby

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more updates on Indian Football

SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players

SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…

Share

India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here

India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…

Share

Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind

Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.

Share

Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign

Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…

Share

BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls

The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…

Share

Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team

Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…

Share

The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back

The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…

Share

BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb

Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE).  Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…

Share

India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career

After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…

Share

Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League

Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…

Share