High on confidence after registering a come-from-behind 4-3 win in its last game, Dabang Mumbai would like to continue its winning streak when it takes on defending champion Jaypee Punjab Warriors in a round-robin match of the Hockey India League, here on Friday.
Dabang Mumbai had a good home run so far as it drew its first match against Ranchi Rays 3-3 at the Mahindra Stadium here.
By virtue of a draw and win, Dabang Mumbai is presently occupying second position in the standings with seven points behind leader Kalinga Lancers (10).
With the likes of Kempermanm, Johan Bjorkan, Fuchs and India international Nikkin Thimmaiah in its arsenal, Dabang Mumbai possesses a strong forwardline and it will be a challenge for the Punjab defence to stop the home side.
The Mumbai team, coached by Australian Jay Stacy, also has a strong defence with Australian Jeremy Hayward and Harmanpreet Singh manning the backline.
“Our efforts will be to score a goal right at the start of play. We will also try to score as many field goals as possible as one field goal is counted as two. This will be our focus,” explained Harmanpreet.
Punjab Warriors, on the other hand, has likes of Satbir Singh, Englishman Mark Gleghorne, Aussie Jackob Whetton, Jasjit Singh Kular in the forwardline, while its midfeild will be manned by experienced skipper Sardar Singh.
Australian Matt Gohdes and Dutchman Robert van Der Horst also add to Punjab’s strength.
Meanwhile, Dabamg Mumbai mifielder Vikas Sharma is out of the tournament due to a hamstring injury and has been replaced by defender Sunil Yadav in the squad.
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