Mumbai: With its campaign in tatters after three consecutive defeats, Mumbai City FC needs to regroup quickly as it finds itself in a must-win situation against a formidable Atletico de Kolkata in an Indian Super League match, here tomorrow.
Having just 12 points in as many matches, the bottom-placed side is virtually out of contention for a semi-final berth after a string of lacklustre performances.
Mumbai's chances are hanging by the thread as they have to win both their remaining matches (including the game against ATK) and further their hopes to qualify would also depend a lot on ifs and buts.
Things are definitely looking bleak for the Peter Reid-coached side, which has conceded 9 goals in its last three games and without the presence of key players, it is going to be a daunting task against the Kolkata side.
The hapless side has been plagued with injuries to its strikers, which hasn't helped their cause.
The attack looks toothless without French import Nicolas Anelka and Brazilian Andre Moritz. Anelka had missed the last three ties due to a groin injury and it remains to be seen whether the star player will be risked in the all important clash tomorrow.
Hat-trick scorer Moritz had sustained a hamstring injury against Chennaiyin FC in the last home game and is unlikely to be fit.
Marquee player Frederik Ljungberg has spent most of his time away from the field nursing injuries and in the short time that he has played, the Swede has looked out of sorts. The former Arsenal star had missed the previous game against Pune City FC due to an injury and his participation looks doubtful.
Indian forwards Subash Singh and Abhishek Yadav, who have a goal each to their credit, would have to pull up their socks and pump in goals to harbour any hopes of qualifying for the play-offs. Subash has been guilty of squandering chances and the hosts would hope he comes good and converts the chances in the penultimate league clash.
The Ranbir Kapoor-owned side has scored just 9 goals while conceding 19 and defenders Pavel Cmvos, Manuel Fredrich, Johan Letzelter, skipper Syed Rahim Nabi would have to come up with better performances to help custodian Subrata Paul.
