Mumbai City FC will hope to reap the home advantage and leapfrog Delhi Dynamos FC when they meet at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai tomorrow. The hosts are in sixth position on the Hero Indian Super League table with six points from five games, the same as the visitors, who however have their nose ahead thanks to a superior goal difference.The momentum will however be with Mumbai City who scrapped out a gritty victory over Kerala Blasters FC in their previous outing while Delhi Dynamos FC surrendered their unbeaten streak away to a perseverant FC Goa. Mumbai’s star striker Nicolas Anelka will once again be the key to Peter Reid’s side’s fortunes but they will have to take their chances and defend as well as they did last time out if they are to pocket full points. Harm van Veldhoven on the other hand will have to tighten up his defence which conceded twice in quick succession in their last game. He will also expect marquee player Alessandro Del Piero to justify his star billing and deliver the goods.In their last match against Kerala, hosts Mumbai took 18 shots out of which 10 were on goal, put in 11 crosses and forced seven corners while retaining 52 % possession. On the other hand, Delhi playing away in Goa, managed only six shots, of which three were on goal, sent in eight crosses and forced two corners while retaining 45 % possession. Clearly, the visitors will have to give a better account of themselves if they must prosper.Jan Štohanzl vs Hans MulderThe Czech player played a key role in Mumbai City’s victory against Kerala Blasters. His tireless running coupled with his ability to pick the ball up in his own half and drive forward ensured that Mumbai asserted control over the midfield. Štohanzl will face resistance from Delhi’s defensive midfielder Hans Mulder. The Dutchman often acts as cover for his defenders and breaks up play with his canny interceptions and tackles. Mulder will be key if Delhi want to win the midfield battle and push on higher up the pitch.Syed Rahim Nabi vs Steven DiasIndia’s 'Mr Versatile' will take on the 'Indian David Beckham' in a battle that could shape either team’s fortunes. Steven Dias has been in fine form with his bursts down the right flank and his tremendous deliveries into the box. A lot of Delhi’s offensive moves have originated from wide positions when Dias has used his crossing abilities to good effect. The Mumbai City FC skipper and left back will know a thing or two about his former national teammate and will look to snuff out any potential dangers with his no nonsense approach. Nabi also has an eye for goal and will endeavour to push up front to aid his team on the break.Nicolas Anelka vs Wim RaymaekersPossibly the greatest threat to the Delhi Dynamos defence, Anelka has the innate ability to score as well as bring others into play. Still possessing the pace and trickery that saw him turn out for some of the best clubs in the world, the former Chelsea and Real Madrid star will look to sit on the shoulder of the Delhi defence and cause problems with his dead ball abilities and playmaking skills. Wim Raymaekers will be in for a tough time as he will have to anticipate the French striker’s menacing moves and stop him in his tracks. As far as key battles go, this will probably decide the course of the game. Players to watchMumbai City FCNadong Bhutia – The pacy winger is improving with every outing and is an invaluable asset for Peter Reid. Offering width in attack and also the ability to track back and help his team out defensively, Bhutia can influence the game from the start or if he comes on as an impact substitute. Unlucky not to score against Kerala, he will be looking to create chances for Anelka and Subhash Singh to feed on and aid his full backs as Delhi look to thrust forward.Delhi Dynamos FCMads Junker – The tall Danish former international forward can capitalise on any slipups of the Mumbai defence. Having already scored twice in the competition, Junker will be keen to add to his tally. There have been signs of some chemistry beginning to develop between the former Roda FC striker and Del Piero and if it happens tomorrow, Delhi will be well served.Team SpeakMumbai City FCSyed Rahim Nabi (captain): “We are playing for our fans tomorrow. They will inspire us to do our best. We want to repay them for being so supportive even when we were faltering.”Delhi Dynamos FCHarm van Veldhoven (head coach): “With all due respect to Mumbai, I am interested in how my lads perform and I am confident in their ability to deliver.”
