Mumbai City FC lie seventh in the Hero Indian Super League table as they take on Kerala Blasters FC at home in their fifth game of the season. Despite having scored more goals than Kerala in just one match, Mumbai have only mustered three points. After suffering a heavy defeat in their previous encounter against Chennaiyin FC, the home side need to find their rhythm once again if they are to qualify for the top four. The visitors registered their first win of the league against FC Pune City to move to the fifth spot with four points. They look sound at the back while Iain Hume has been their main man in the attack and holds the key to Kerala’s success tomorrow. On the other hand, Mumbai need one of their several stars to put their hand up and help the team escape to victory.Nicolas Anelka vs Cédric HengbartNicolas Anelka’s much-hyped debut was a big let-down. He could not find a way through, for himself or his team, who were soundly thrashed in Chennai. But the French star will be eager to exhibit his class and utility to the home crowd and redeem his reputation. He will however find resistance from tall central defender Cédric Hengbart who has been resolute at the back. The Frenchman is also an excellent distributor of the ball and will not only try to thwart Mumbai’s attacks but also initiate Kerala’s.Jan Štohanzl vs Mehtab HossainJan Štohanzl is the midfield general of Mumbai City FC. With Mumbai playing pacy wingers on the flanks the Czech player will be tasked with linking up defence with attack and keeping his forwards on the move. On the opposite side, Kerala’s gutsy holding midfielder Mehtab Hossain, the best in the business in the country, will be out to spoil the Mumbai party and check their advance with his interceptions and tough tackling.Pavel Čmovš vs Iain HumePavel Čmovš was suspended for Mumbai City’s previous game and his absence was clearly felt. The Czech centre back is solid in the air and can read the game well. His ability to stall attacks will be a positive for the home side. But he will have his hands full dealing with Iain Hume, the lynchpin of the Kerala attack. The Canadian striker was voted Player of the Week due to his fine performances in assisting as well as scoring. Čmovš will have to prevent Hume from finding the net for the third time or providing the killer pass for his colleagues.Players to WatchMumbai City FCSingam Subhash Singh: The Manipuri striker has scored one goal in the tournament and will look to increase his tally tomorrow. He is fast and can play either in the centre or along the wings and also has a nose for goals. The Kerala defence will be punished if they fail to keep an eye on him and pay more attention to Mumbai’s more renowned attackers. Kerala Blasters FCPenn Orji: The Nigerian midfielder captained Kerala for the initial games and scored the winner in their last match against Pune City coming off the bench. His intelligent movement and link-up play can rip defences to shreds. He may start again or be summoned when required to turn the game around.Head Coach SpeakPeter Reid (Mumbai City FC) : "We will need to defend very well. As a team we should not be stretched."David James (Kerala Blasters FC): "I do hope that we pick up points more regularly now that we have our first win on the board."
