Mumbai City FC face NorthEast United FC with play-off spot at stake

Mumbai: The stakes will be as high as ever when Mumbai City FC host NorthEast United FC as the race for the Indian Super League (ISL) play-offs gets closer at the Mumbai Football Arena here on Wednesday.

The teams enjoyed strong runs before the league took a break for the Asian Cup, but they have have stuttered of late since the resumption. After two defeats on the bounce against FC Goa and Jamshedpur FC, what seemed like a certain qualification for Jorge Costa's men does not look so straightforward anymore with the teams below them climbing up the table.

Mumbai are now second with 27 points but NorthEast are just three points behind in fourth place.

"I will not change the way that we wish to play. They (NorthEast United) have very good players and are a very aggressive team. In terms of organisation, one of the best teams in India. We need to give our best. We want to finish the game and have three points," said Costa, who will miss captain Lucian Goian after picking up his fourth yellow card.

Three league games remain for Mumbai to reignite their campaign and a win against the highlanders will go a long way in sealing a berth in the last four. With the clash against NorthEast being Mumbai's last home game of the season, Costa will be keen to take maximum points before the tricky away clashes against ATK and FC Pune City. IANS

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