By I-League Media

MUMBAI: After two goalless draws in Hero I-league against Shillong Lajong and Kingfisher East Bengal, Mumbai FC will aim to register their first win of the season against Salgaocar FC when they clash their horns at Cooperage Stadium on Sunday. Salgaocar FC, who lost their games against Bengaluru FC and champions Mohun Bagan, will be looking forward to bounce back against a team whom they have defeated eight times in last ten Hero I-league fixtures.

In the corresponding fixture last season, Mumbai FC had to swallow a 3-1 defeat at Cooperage Stadium and they have also registered only one win against the Goan side, which has find the better of Mumbai FC eight times in the last ten fixtures. Malky Thompson’s Salgaocar has not started the season like they hoped for but a win against Mumbai FC will surely help them to come back on track.

Mumbai FC’s head coach Khalid Jamil is hoping to get a win against Salgaocar FC after two straight goalless draw in their opening fixtures. “I am not worried about the first two results, it is just the start of the season and we must need to be positive about the upcoming fixtures. I am expecting a better result against Salgaocar,” Jamil told the media ahead of their match against Salgaocar FC.

Jamil also expressed that their opponents Salgaocar FC are a tough team to beat and they will surely test their patience in order to get a win against the host. “Salgaocar is a good side, I have seen them play. It won’t be an easy match for us and we are not taking them lightly as they have played quite good in their last matches.” Jamil added.

The Mumbai gaffer also added that their midfielder Steven Dias won’t feature in the starting lineup as he is out injured with an ankle injury. New signing Ryuki Kozawa will be most likely to start the game as the Japanese striker is fit ahead of the clash.

On the other side of the field, Salgaocar FC’s head coach Malky Johnson has termed this match as a very important fixture. “This is a very important match as we have nothing in hand after our first two games. We will definitely try to get something on board in terms of points tomorrow,” said Malky Thomson, Salgaocar gaffer.

“We are not looking for a draw. We need to show out character and play as a team in order to win the match”, Thomson said ahead of their game.

The Salgaocar gaffer also confirmed that he has no injury woes before their match against Mumbai FC, “We’ve a completely fit squad in disposal and everyone is rearing to give it a shot against Mumbai FC.”

Mumbai FC who lost only twice last season at Cooperage will be keen to get all three points against a side who has itself defeated Mumbai FC 3-1 last season at Cooperage. Both the teams will be looking for three points in order to register their win of the HERO I-league season.