The battle at the top half of the table intensifies as Mumbai City FC host Kerala Blasters FC in their Hero Indian Super League 2016 encounter at the Mumbai Football Arena on Saturday. Mumbai are presently second in the standings with 16 points from 11 games and a win would ease their path towards a semis finish. In their last match against a spirited FC Goa team, Alexandre Guimaraes’ men came away with a point in a goalless draw. However, they will have to up the ante on Saturday as they come up against a team which is just one point behind. For Kerala too it is a crucial tie as a win will greatly enhance their semis chances. They saw off defending champions Chennaiyin FC 3-1 in their last match after going a goal down, and would want to keep up the momentum going into the contest in Mumbai.Head-to-Head: In the inaugural season, Mumbai City FC beat Kerala Blasters 1-0 at home before playing out a goalless draw away in Kochi. In Hero ISL 2015, a 0-0 draw was played out in Kochi. Both teams again split the points after a 1-1 draw in Mumbai. Earlier this season, Kerala registered their first win against the Mumbaikars thanks to a Michael Chopra strike.Form Guide (last five matches):Mumbai City FC: W-D-W-L-DKerala Blasters FC: W-D-L-W-WDiego Forlan vs Cedric HengbartDiego Forlan has had a few quiet games of late and now is the time for him to prove his class. With two goals and an assist, Forlan has already played a significant part in Mumbai’s campaign but with the league entering its business end, Guimaraes will want more from him. The Uruguayan’s experience will definitely come into play on Saturday.Central defender Cedric Hengbart, who can also double up as right-back, has been a mainstay at the heart of Kerala’s defence. The tall defender has been very strong in the air and has come up with numerous important tackles and key interceptions. However, he will need to be constantly on the watch with the likes of Forlan lurking in the penalty area.Sony Norde vs Josu CurraisSony Norde has made a big difference since returning from national duty. He not only has a great eye for goal but he also possesses immaculate passing accuracy, not to mention his breath-taking dribbling skills. With a goal and four assists already to his name, the Haitian will be eager for a good show against Kerala.Kerala’s Josu Currais is another player who is good at creating goal-scoring opportunities from midfield. With two assists to his name, he has been an important figure for the Blasters for the second year running. His speed while going forward is an asset as it keeps opposition defences on guard all the time.Lucian Goian vs Antonio GermanLucian Goian has been one of the main reasons for Mumbai’s good defensive record this season. The centre-back has been rock solid at the back, not allowing much space to opposition attackers. However, Saturday will prove to be a tough outing for him as he comes up against a forward line that will take the field with plenty of purpose in front of their home fans.After a slow start to the season, Antonio German finally hit form in Kerala’s last match, providing two assists in the team’s victory over Chennaiyin. The pacey forward will look to go one better and score his first goal this season on Saturday. Thanks to his strong frame, he can take on any defence, and how Kerala fare tomorrow depends heavily on the Englishman’s performance.Squads:Mumbai City FC: Roberto Volpato Neto, Amrinder Singh, Albino Gomes, Gerson Vieira, Lucian Goian, Facundo Cardozo, Anwar Ali, Aiborlang Khongjee, Lalhmangaihsanga Ralte, Lalchhuanmawia Fanai, Ashutosh Mehta, Krisztian Vadocz, Leo Costa, Jackichand Singh, Saran Singh, Sehnaj Singh, Boithang Haokip, David Lalrinmuana, Matias Defederico, Otacilio Brito Alves, Sony Norde, Diego Forlan, Thiago Cunha, Sunil Chhetri, Udanta SinghKerala Blasters FC: Graham Stack, Sandip Nandy, Kunal Sawant, Aaron Hughes, Cedric Hengbart, Sandesh Jhingan, Gurwinder Singh, Pratik Chaudhary, Elhadji Ndoye, Josu Currais, Didier Boris Kadio, Azrack Mahamat, Mehtab Hossain, Mohammed Rafique, Ishfaq Ahmed, Vinit Rai, Michael Chopra, Antonio German, Kervens Belfort, Duckens Nazon, Mohammed Rafi, Thongkhosiem Haokip, Farukh Chaudhary, CK Vineeth and Rino Anto
