Defending Indian Super League (ISL) Cup Winner Mumbai City FC are gearing up for their first home game of the ISL 2024-25 season against former champions Bengaluru FC at their home base located at Mumbai Football Arena, Andheri, Mumbai on Wednesday, 2nd October, 2024.

The Islanders under their new captain and versatile striker Lallianzuala Chhangte till now played two away games with mixed results. After drawing their opening match against current ISL Shield Winner Mohun Bagan Super Giant and a narrow defeat against Jamshedpur FC in their second outing, the hosts will be determined to secure their first three points of the season in front of their home crowd. Bengaluru FC, meanwhile, remain undefeated in their campaign with three wins out of three so far and are yet to concede this season. Mumbai City FC will be looking to turn things around with the support of their fans at the back of showcasing the exciting brand of football they're known for.

As the Islanders return to action after a 10-day hiatus, Head Coach Petr Kratky opined that the break has augured well for the team and allowed them to work on areas of improvement. “I think it works well for us after the first two rounds where we have only one point, it allows us to regroup and try to focus on ourselves and the areas where we need to improve in the area where it's hurting us. In two games, we conceded five goals out of which four were scored from set-pieces, which is unacceptable for me.  I think the boys are focused now and ready for the game.”

Bengaluru FC come into the encounter on the back of three consecutive victories and are yet to concede this season. The latest one being an emphatic 3-0 win over defending ISL champions Mohun Bagan SG in front of their die hard fans at Sree Kanteerava stadium, Bengaluru. Former Indian captain Sunil Chhetri, who has been part of BFC success story, added another feather to his cap as he became the all-time leading goalscorer in the ISL with his 64th goal from at the back of a successful Penalty Conversion. In the process he overcame Bartholomew Ogbeche record of 63.

Outlining his expectation for tomorrow, Head Coach Petr Kratky further added, "They (Bengaluru FC under former MCFC player Rahul Bheke) have all their bases covered, and they're prepared. Now it's up to us to step up our game and be diligent in everything we do. I believe in our team, and I believe we can deliver, but it will be tough. We have to dig deep right from the first minute."

Acknowledging the familiarity between the two sides in the backdrop of his key players  Jorge Pereyra Diaz, Alberto Noguera and Rahul Bheke  joining BFC this season, Kratky expressed his anticipation for an engaging match, “We're familiar with each other, but that also means the game will be exciting. That's why I say it will be a tough match, but I think it will be great to watch because both teams will try to play good football."

The excitement is palpable amongst fans and players alike for the Islanders’ first home game, with a full house expected tomorrow. Expressing his enthusiasm as a player who hails from Mumbai, attacking midfielder Jayesh Rane said, “Playing at home is always fun, especially in front of our own fans. It's not just about being a local; it's about representing Mumbai with supporters cheering us on. It's a great feeling, and we're looking forward to tomorrow's match to share that excitement with everyone.”

Interesting facts:

I) Mumbai City FC’s goal-scoring streak at home:    The Islanders are often a force to reckon in their backyard, having netted in each of their last eight matches at home. If they score against Bengaluru FC, Mumbai City FC will equal their longest such run in the league (nine games from October 2022-February 2023). Interestingly, they have notched over two strikes and won each of their last three encounters against Bengaluru FC.
II) Bengaluru FC – Strong starters: Bengaluru FC have scored 33.33% of their goals in the ISL in 2024 in the opening 15 minutes of the games. This is the highest such rate for any team in the league in the aforementioned time period. Mumbai City FC on the other hand since the start of the season have netted only 8.8% of goals in the first 15 minutes of the matches.
III) Head-to-Head: The two teams have played 16 matches in the ISL. Mumbai City FC have won eight times, whereas Bengaluru FC have emerged victorious seven times, with one match resulting in a draw. IV) Key Players & Milestones:
a) Sunil Chhetri has scored nine goals against Mumbai City FC in the ISL. One more strike will make him the first Indian to net 10 times against a single opponent in the competition.
b) Mumbai City FC’s Noufal PN recorded six touches inside Jamshedpur FC’s box after coming on as a substitute in their last match. Only Chhetri has recorded a higher tally in an ISL game since the start of 2024 among Indian players.
c) BFC’s tall enigmatic custodian Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has overtaken ex MCFC goalkeeper Amrinder Singh (46) to become the goalkeeper to keep the highest number of clean sheets (47) in the ISL.

Photo Cover : The picturesque Mumbai Football Arena, is all set to host Mumbai City FC first home match against Bengaluru FC

Photo Above : Mumbai City FC players under the supervision of their Head Coach Petr Kratky warm up for the big occasion at Navi Mumbai based NMSA football ground ( Photos courtesy MCFC)