Mumbai and Pune lock horns in highly anticipated Maha Derby

The first Maha Derby of Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2018-19 takes place on Friday with Mumbai City hosting FC Pune City at the Mumbai Football Arena. Both sides come into this fixture in search of their first victory of the campaign. Historically, this tie has proved to be a fierce encounter with plenty of end-to-end action and flared tempers, and Friday’s meeting will be no different.

MUMBAI CITY FC

Jorge Costa has not enjoyed the best of starts to life as head coach of Mumbai. The Islanders went down to Jamshedpur FC in front of their home support before relying on a late stunner from Pranjal Bhumij to get them out of jail against Kerala Blasters FC. Having had time to work closely with his team during the international break, Costa will be hoping his side pick up their first three points of the season against their local rivals.

Amrinder Singh produced some important saves during the first two games and will be on hand to guard the net behind Lucian Goian, Subhasish Bose and Sauvik Chakrabarti. Paulo Machado and Arnold Issoko may also be pivotal at the centre with their hard running and passing range. Upfront, Rafael Bastos and Modou Sougou will be responsible for supplying the much-needed goals.

Here’s a look at Mumbai City’s season in numbers:

FC PUNE CITY

Looking at the head to head record, the Stallions will take confidence from their ability to consistently inflict damage on the Islanders. Miguel Portugal’s men will be bolstered by the return of star striker Marcelinho, who is back with the squad after serving a suspension. The Brazilian has been one of the league’s most lethal marksman over the past two years and his inclusion could make the difference.

Marcelinho will be joined in attack by Emiliano Alfaro and Ashique Kuruniyan. The pair looked dangerous in the first game against Delhi Dynamos FC and will be hoping to build on that. Adil Khan will be responsible for pulling the strings in midfield alongside Marko Stankovic. In defence, Matt Mills is expected to keep his place after an impressive debut against Delhi that saw him demonstrate calmness and composure at the back.

Here’s a look at FC Pune City's season in numbers:

EXPECTED LINE-UPS:

MUMBAI CITY FC: Amrinder Singh, Sauvik Chakrabarti, Lucian Goian, Subhasish Bose, Shouvik Ghosh, Arnold Issoko, Paulo Machado, Sehnaj Singh, Raynier Fernandes, Modou Sougou, Rafael Bastos

FC PUNE CITY: Vishal Kaith, Nim Dorjee Tamang, Matt Mills, Martin Diaz, Lalchhuanmawia Fanai, , Marko Stankovic, Adil Khan, Jakob Vanlalhlimpuia, Ashique Kuruniyan, Emiliano Alfaro, Marcelinho

DID YOU KNOW?

Mumbai City FC have not won a match against rivals FC Pune City in their previous three meetings at home venues.
Since last season, FC Pune have scored 13 goals in the last 15 minutes of matches. Only Bengaluru FC (15 goals) have scored more than Pune since last season.
Marcelinho and Alfaro scored 17 out of the 31 goals for Pune last season.

FANSPEAK

Which forward will prove to be the match-winner?