I-League: Mumbai FC likely to miss Taisuke

MUMBAI: Mumbai FC have a fine knack of raising their game when big teams come calling. On Wednesday, Mohun Bagan will play their fifth round match in the I-league here and a victory will take them closer to the top than they ever were.
However, like the game against Bengaluru FC showed, Mumbai FC have slayed big teams in their den. The last time these two teams met at the Cooperage, Mumbai FC had taken the lead and Mohun Bagan equalised to escape with a draw.
But much water has flown since that 1-1 draw last winter.Mohun Bagan broke the jinx of Kolkata teams and finally won the I-League after 12 years. They were dominant and have shown good form this season too. Bagan have three victories so far with their only draw coming in the derby clash against East Bengal. Incidentally, East Bengal won on Tuesday against Shillong Lajong, and the victory shot them into lead with 14 points.
Bagan coach Sanjoy Sen is not taking anything for granted. "Mumbai have always provided us with a tough challenge. At home they are difficult to beat and we have to be very careful," said Sanjoy .
Not only have Bagan remained unbeaten, they also have in Cornell Glen the top scorer of the league with four goals.
But Mumbai FC are always tough customers at home as Bengaluru realised. Not that Mumbai played outstanding football but they were competitive. It helped that Bengaluru's form appeared to be at its worst on that day .
Mumbai's hero in the victory against Bengaluru, Taisuke Matsugae, suffered an injury in their surprising loss to DSK Shivajians and if the Japanese doesn't play on Wednesday, Mumbai FC will be missing one of their better options in the midfield.
If Mumbai have ambitions to upset the Bagan applecart, they will need Taisuke to walk out in good shape. If not, the Bagan midfield of Katsumi Yusa and Sony Norde could have their rivals for dinner. If Taisuke is available then they have the problem of finding goals. In three of their five games, Mumbai have not scored though they created enough chances.
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