Kolkata, Sep 29 (UNI) Mumbai FC's 2-1 surprise win over Mohun Bagan in ONGC I-League appearance was a wake up call for hosts East Bengal as they take on the visitors in crucial second round at Yuva Bharati Krirangan tomorrow.
After full three points for both EB and Mumbai FC in round one, the battle is expected to reach a high pitch as they know the winner take the pole position at the end of the day.
EB comparatively had an easy 3-1 win in the opener against United SC, but now they know how dangerous would be their next rival, who had aleady won the hearts of soccer buffs here.
Coach Stanley Rozario in his first match in East Bengal had realised how vulnerable his defence was, and keeping Mumbai FC's two frontliners Felix Abyje and Abel Hammound at bay would be challenging, he added.
With Sunil Chettri, Syed Rahim Nabi, Edmilson Marques in the frontline, EB have quite good line up in the scoring side but they may face the problem in the defence line against two Mumbai foreigners.
English coach David Booth was quite pleased with the performance of his goalie Kalyan Chowbey, who stood firm against Bagan's attack and is expected to repeat the same tomorrow.
Mumbai FC are expected to keep the same squad with Anas Edathodika, James Dissiramah, Selwyn Fernandes in defence, and Sanjay Parte, Subash Charkaborty, Riston Rodrigues, Kulothungan and Aseem in the frontline.
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