Mumbai, Dec 16 (PTI) Mumbai City FC would look to recordtheir third straight win at home when they on ATK in an IndianSuper League fixture here tomorrow.
Mumbai had outclassed FC Goa 2-1 in their first home gameand then beat Chennaiyin FC 1-0 last Sunday.
With seven points, Mumbai are on the fifth spot with twowins in five games, while ATK are languishing at the bottom ofthe league table and are still searching for their first win.
The home side have an experienced goal-keeper in AmrinderSingh, whose performance will be crucial if they have to stopthe ATK strikers.
Mumbai have a good mix of mid-fielders and defenders likeAbhinas Ruidas, Thaigo Santos, Achillee Emana and they willhave to play their part tomorrow.
They also have strikers like Balwant Singh, Rafa Jorda,Brazilian Everton Santos who play attacking football and willbe dangerous for the opposition to stop.
Another advantage for Mumbai is that their players areplaying after a week. Mumbai need to begin well right from thestart and not let their opponents dominate.
Mumbai City FC coach Alexandre Guimaraes admitted thatATK were a tough side as their playing style was different.
"We have to produce more of our quality game, if we dothat, it will be possible to continue our home run. We will upagainst a tough team. We have to be focussed because they playwith a different approach than other teams. After the Keralagame, the players understood what our direction should be interms of play," Guimaraes said.
"May be our approach is different from other teams; wehave seen teams make 3-4 changes after games, but we are notlike that. Just like last season, we did not alter ourapproach much between games and we will stick to that thisseason," he added.
The coach heaped praise on Emana for his performance inthe last game.
"He (Emana) has been able to adapt to the game and alsothe team is starting to understand his game and where he canbe more productive. Last game he showed to all of us that hecame here to help Mumbai City FC to obtain their goal. Heshowed why teams fight very hard to obtain services of playerslike him," quipped the coach.
Meanwhile, ATK need to put up a spirited show if theyhave to register their first win. ATK also have good forwardslike India player Robin Singh and Jayesh Rane and the duoneeds to fire big time tomorrow.
ATK head coach Teddy Sheringham admitted that being atthe bottom puts pressure.
"We have not got a win and that we may at the bottom ofthe table certain puts a little bit of pressure. We havecaused our own problems, something that we have to rectify. Wedefend and attack as a team," Sheringham said.
"So, if we have lost two games and drawn two games, weobviously going to be looking at your defensive qualities. ButI don't blame anyone because if you are leaving your goal-keeper or full backs open, that is something to do with thewhole team, we need to improve in all departments," he said.
Describing Mumbai as a "very strong side", the ATK headcoach said their opponents have got a of lot qualities.
Asked if the ATK management was miffed with him,Sheringham said the management has been supportive.
"No pressure, we talk after every game, they have beenvery supportive. Because they have seen the way we haveattacked (in the) games, how we could have won games, withlittle bit of luck. We have taken the game to every opponentso we are not lacking in confidence," he said.
He also termed the contribution of Ashley Westwood as"invaluable".
"He (Ashley) has been invaluable, he has a lot ofexperience and knowledge of Indian football, and if ever thereis a chance to lean on him, then I do. Together we try andcome out with new ideas," the coach signed off. PTI NRB PDSPDS.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.