Match 48 of Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2020-21 will see Bengaluru FC take on Mumbai City FC as they look to end a disappointing run of results that’s seen them lose their last two matches against ATK Mohun Bagan and Jamshedpur FC. The Blues have never lost three straight matches in the Hero ISL and will need to up their game against a Mumbai side that are unbeaten in their last seven games this season. They have the joint-best defensive record (three goals conceded) as well as the best offensive record (13 goals scored) in the league and here, we look at a few of the talking points from the upcoming encounter.

Sergio Lobera’s underwhelming record against Bengaluru

Under the coaching of Sergio Lobera, Mumbai City FC have looked like a formidable unit in Hero ISL 2020-21, but the Spaniard found it tough to beat the Blues during his time with FC Goa. With Lobera as head coach, the Gaurs conceded 14 goals in seven matches against Bengaluru and lost five times while winning only once. However, Bengaluru’s own record against the Islanders is far from perfect. Under Carles Cuadrat, Bengaluru have not been able to beat Mumbai even once in their last two seasons and Lobera will fancy his side’s chances, keeping the contrasting form of both teams in mind.

Amrinder Singh leading by example

The Islanders can credit a lot of their defensive resilience to their skipper Amrinder Singh. The custodian made three crucial saves to prevent Kerala from scoring in their last game. This season, Amrinder has made 17 saves with an accuracy of 85%. The India International has also been well supported by the defensive duo of Mourtada Fall and Hernan Santana. With just three clean sheets required to beat his best-ever record in the Hero ISL, expect the Indian goalkeeper to be among those in contention for the Golden Glove award come the end of the season.

Dearth of goal-scoring strikers have cost Bengaluru FC

Bengaluru FC have failed to score a goal in their last two matches, a first for them in the Hero ISL. While Sunil Chhetri and Cleiton Silva have shown what they are capable of, the Blues’ other forwards Kristian Opseth and Deshorn Brown have failed to find the back of the net even once in eight appearances each this season. Even though Bengaluru have six different goal-scorers so far, they seem to be lacking a clinical edge as far as some of their forwards are concerned and this might cost them dearly heading into a crucial tie against the Islanders.