ISL 2015: Three reasons why Kolkata will defeat Mumbai tonight
Defending champions Atletico de Kolkata will host Mumbai City FC at the Salt Lake Stadium on Friday. The home side have already grabbed a place in the semis, while Mumbai come looking for some belated redemption in their last game after a seven match win-less streak.
Prediction
Atletico de Kolkata 2-0 Mumbai City FC
1. Mumbai's frail defence cannot contain Iain Hume and Sameehg Doutie
Just when doubts were creeping in about Kolkata's ability to defend the title this season, the Men in Red and White showed exactly why they won the crown last season. Canadian striker Iain Hume has stepped up and asserted his class, and has been ably assisted by Sameehg Doutie.
The duo have wrecked havoc as Kolkata have amassed 18 goals in their last seven games. Hume has scored nine goals, including two hat-tricks, and provided three assists, while Doutie has scored three goals and provided six assists. Kolkata are now the second highest goal scorers in the league (24).
The Mumbai defence, which conceded 13 goals in their last four matches, will struggle to contain this Canadian-South African pair tonight. The Blue Devils also have the worst defence in the league, alongside Kerala Blasters.
2. Mumbai's goal drought will continue against Kolkata's solid defence
After investing a huge amount of money in strengthening their attack in the summer, it is almost embarrassing for the Mumbai management to see their team compete for the title of lowest goal scorers in the league. Despite having the likes of Nicolas Anelka, Frederic Piquionne and Sunil Chhetri, Mumbai have scored just 13 goals in the league so far. In fact, they have scored just one goal in their last five games and even Sunil Chhetri, who looked in scintillating form after returning from his international duty, is now missing chances in front of the goal.
This goal drought for Mumbai could very well be extended against Kolkata, who have conceded the least number of goals in the league (14), alongside Delhi Dynamos. Antonio Habas has re-instilled the solidity at the back which won them the title last season.
3. Anelka has lost his dressing room
In his last post-match interview, Anelka claimed that he was not good enough for the job, having failed to guide his team to the semis. The Frenchman also accepted that the off-the-field incidents have affected his team. He lost Andre Moritz and Oscar Bruzon due to altercations in the dressing room, and has now lost his whole team after publicly questioning their ability and character.
The performances in the last few matches show that the players are no longer willing to put in any extra effort for their manager. For them, the season just cannot end quickly enough.
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