Form favours Chirag United against minnows Mumbai FC

Kolkata: Having kicked off their campaign in style beating Mohun Bagan, Chirag United SC will look to

continue with their winning run and collect full points against a revamped Mumbai FC side at Yuba Bharati Krirangan (YBK) here tomorrow. The city-based Subrata Bhattacharya`s side has been a revelation this season giving Mohun Bagan a tough time in their last outing that they won 3-2. With Brazilian pair of Joshimar and Edmilson striking a right balance up front, Bhattacharya has signed up another foreigner -- Keegan Nash -- to lend Eduardo (Du) assistance in the defensive line-up. Appearing ecstatic of their new recruit, Bhattacharya after the Australian`s first practice said, "It will be an intersting combination with Du but we have to be patient with them. I am hopeful that they (Du and Nash) will do well in the long run." Facing a new opponents in Mumbai FC -- a new look side with fresh players and new coach in Khalid Jameel -- United SC coach said they would look forward to three points. "They are a good side but we will be cautious in the first 10-15 minutes and then will go for an attack. We have strong chances to get full three points. We hope to get at least 17-18 points from the first eight rounds that will help us to finish top notch," Bhattacharya told reporters on the eve of the match. In the 2008-09 I-League, Mumbai FC showed promise, stunning Mohun Bagan in their first match but ended up being seventh, one place ahead of United SC in the 12 team standings. But this time around, it`s a different complexion altogether. Mumbai outfit has started off with a 1-3 loss to Dempo SC and they have problems aplenty with a new look team as their foreign recruits Felix Aboagye, Abel Hammond and James Dissiramah and Indian talents like Kalia Kulothungan, Kalyan Chaubey, Selwyn Fernandes, Riston Rodrigues and Kuttymani have left in exodus. Coach David Booth and manager Henry Menezes too have made exit, leaving a lot at stake for Jameel who said the team had budget constraints but their side would look to give a strong fight this season. They will look forward to the experience of Amit Singha Roy, Satyajit Bose, Noel Wilson and their sole foreign import Japanese striker Kayne Vincent to deliver the goods against a strong United SC. "We will be happy if we return with a point. But it will be tough, we have to play as a team," said Jameel. Bureau Report