14 January,2018 10:49 AM IST | Mumbai | Ronald Chettiar
Balwant Singh
Mumbai City FC striker Balwant Singh admits a resurgent Kerala Blasters FC side will pose a serious threat when both teams clash in an Indian Super League (ISL) tie at Mumbai Sports Arena, Andheri tonight. The last time when these two teams faced each other, Singh spoiled Blasters' party with a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Kochi last December. However, Mumbai's top scorer this season, with five goals in eight matches, felt the Kerala side will be different from the one they faced in Kochi.
Coach James, KBFC's hero
"Kerala are on a path of resurgence under new coach David James. Their previous performance against Delhi [Dynamos] showed they are a threat now," Singh told mid-day on Saturday. Under James, Kerala have not lost a game since his return to the club. "The new coach has brought in a lot of changes in the team. They are scoring goals and have an organised defence. Their striker Ian Hume is in good form and we will have to mark him well. We will have to concentrate on a lot of areas and play as a team.
"Though it's our home match, it will be a tough test for us," he added.
Mumbai are on a three-match unbeaten run and are currently placed fifth with 14 points from nine matches. A win today will see them return to the top four. Meanwhile, Kerala are two places below Mumbai, with 11 points from nine games, and a win will put them back in the hunt for a semi-final berth. Mumbai eye top four finish The battle for a top four finish is heating up and Singh feels Mumbai have no option but to go for a win in the coming matches.
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"The competition for the top four is intense with a point or two separating the teams. We can't afford to drop points now. So we will be playing for a win and hopefully we will get the three points from this match. Our defence is doing a great job as well as we are strong in our attack as well. We need to stay focussed and continue the hard work,"
he said.
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