New Delhi: their bid to make the play-offs, Mumbai City FC will look to ensure they do their bit by winning against the out-of-contention Delhi Dynamos FC in an Indian Super League (ISL) clash here on Tuesday.
However, a win against Delhi may still not assure Mumbai a place in the play-offs. Placed seventh with 23 points from 16 outings, Mumbai need to win both their remaining matches.
Even if they manage to beat Delhi, Mumbai will face another must-win situation in their last game of this season’s league stage away to Chennaiyin FC on Saturday.
Wins in both these games will take them to 29 points which could be the bare minimum needed to qualify. However, even if Mumbai win both the games, they still need other results to go their way.
The visitors will take heart from their fantastic last-gasp winner against NorthEast United FC in their previous game and coach Alexandre Guimaraes has asked his team to keep fighting till the end.
“When you win these kind of games, the confidence is high. Everybody believes that; they know we are back (in contention) and now there is a possibility that we can qualify. It’s up to us to stay in the race by winning tomorrow,” Guimaraes told reporters on the eve of the game.
Mumbai had won their home battle against Delhi 4-0 with the latter’s Matias Mirabaje being sent off.
The team that Mumbai will face on Tuesday now has a completely different mindset and the coach is aware just how difficult they will make it for them to pocket full points.
“Sometimes when teams don’t have pressure, they start to flow and they are doing that. They are playing without fear of making mistakes which may have been the case in the beginning of the season,” Guimaraes said.
Delhi, already out of contention for the play-offs, are on a four-match unbeaten streak and are buoyant after registering an incredible 4-3 comeback win against defending champions ATK in their previous match.
Delhi have already defeated league leaders Bengaluru FC at home and held Chennaiyin FC to a draw while picking up eight points from their last four matches.
“Tomorrow, I think my team is in a good position and good mood and I have very good hope for win. We have to show everyone that we play well not just in one game but all matches. Our aim is also to help improve the performances of our young players,” said Delhi Dynamos coach Miguel Angel Portugal.
Captain Kalu Uche, the leading goalscorer with 10 strikes for last year’s semi-finalists, will hold the key after scoring in each of Delhi’s last four matches.(IANS)