Match Preview: Ranchi Rhinos looking to increase the misery of Mumbai Magicians

Mumbai Magicians failed to draw their opening match by a whisker

On a high after beating title favourites Punjab Warriors in the opening game of the tournament, Ranchi Rhinos will be looking to challenge Delhi WaveRiders for the top spot of Hockey India League when they face Mumbai Magicians, who are caught up in the problem of their own.

Ranchi Rhinos, led by Germany hockey star Moritz Fuertse, gave a solid display against Punjab Warriors despite Punjab having most of the possession. Mumbai on the other hand, were whiskers away from drawing their opening game against Delhi WaveRiders but for Sandeep Singh’s penalty stroke in the last minute, which hit the post, they couldn’t open their points tally. Ranchi Rhinos’ Moritz Fuertse and his English team-mate Ashley Jackson carried the team on the shoulders against Punjab Warriors to give them victory. So it’s going to be another tough task for Mumbai Magicians to stop the dynamic duo of Ranchi.

Team and form guide

Ranchi Rhinos are strong on paper as well as on the field and their spirited performance against Punjab Warriors despite having many Indian players in their side, drove this point home. Ranchi Rhinos have a strong defence and midfield which makes life difficult for the opponent strike force. Their midfield comprises of big names like Moritz Fuertse, Ashley Jackson and Manpreet Singh while their defence is in the hands of experienced campaigners like Justin-Reid Ross and Fergus Kavanagh.

Mumbai Magicians, who are still coming to terms with the loss of their 4 Pakistani players, are a worried lot after Sandeep Singh’s missed penalty stroke sealed their defeat in the opening game of the tournament. Mumbai Magicians have a weak team and when topped up with lack of experienced players, it makes it difficult even for a coach like Ric Charleswoth to get good results. Matt Butturini will have to take the responsibility along with Sarvanjit Singh to score at least a couple of goals early in the game to give Mumbai some hope.

Players to watch out for:

Manpreet Singh (FILE PHOTO)

Ranchi Rhinos – Manpreet Singh – The year 2012 has been great for him and he looks to have carried the same form to 2013. His support in the defence will allow experienced campaigners like Mortiz Fuertse and Ashley Jackson to go out and wreak havoc on Mumbai’s defence. Also, the performance of Dutch striker Floris Evers will make a huge impact in the outcome of the game.

Mumbai Magicians – Sandeep Singh – His morale is low; his shoulders are down, he’s still not good in defence and he looks to have lost his edge in the penalty corners too. Sandeep Singh, despite having tough time on the field, will have to shoulder all the responsibilities as his team-mates will be looking up to him to conjure some magic. Sandeep’s performance tomorrow will matter a lot and his performance could be the only difference in defeat and victory for Mumbai.

Coaches:

Ranchi Rhinos: Glegg Clark

Mumbai Magicians: Ric Charlesworth

Prediction: Well, as all the games so far have ended with the score of 2-1 so far, I’m also predicting a score of 2-1 in the favour of Ranchi Rhinos.