Match Preview: Punjab FC Vs Mumbai City FC

Mumbai City FC’s chase for the ISL league winners shield is well and truly on track with the Islanders level on points with Odisha FC at the top of the table. Unbeaten in their last 4 games, with three wins and a draw, the Mumbai City FC side are high on confidence, and have a trip to New Delhi. The Islanders are returning to national capital after almost half a decade, and face Punjab FC.

Punjab FC have done well recently, losing just one in their last four games having scored eight goals in the process. Speaking ahead of the game, Coach Petr Kratky said, “We are fully aware of the threat Punjab FC possess. They are a good side who have quality players upfront and are great as a unit.”

In an entertaining and well contested match against FC Goa, the Islanders came away with a point, and are aware of the task on hand in New Delhi. The coach said, “We know that Punjab FC are tough to beat at their home but we have a strong belief in our ability and the players. We have to be physically prepared and go on the pitch with the same aim of scoring goals and winning the game.”

Mehtab Singh also expressed a similar opinion as Coach Petr Kratky. He said, “We are expecting a tough game. They are a good side who are scoring a lot of goals. We are aware of their fine run of form in their recent games but our focus is on ourselves. We aim to recover, regroup and focus on the challenge that they will possess.”

The month of March will be a hectic affair for the Islanders with 3 matches scheduled in a span of 12 days consisting of two away games. Looking ahead, Kratky said, “We have the same approach like every other game, to go game after game. The team has worked hard in the training and has showed great courage in the recent games. The players are in good spirits and we are looking forward to the upcoming matches.”

Hailing from the state of Punjab, Mehtab Singh spoke positively about the development of football in his state, he said, “Football is improving at a good rate in Punjab. Be it at the city or village level. A lot of academies are opening up over there providing players a platform to grow and nurture their talent. The government is focusing on the development of this sport and I wish it grows even more in the near future.”