Mumbai City FC will look to extend their three-match unbeaten run when they take on FC Pune City at the Mumbai Football Arena in Mumbai on Thursday. Mumbai have gone ahead in the race for the semis and are currently one of the front-runners with 15 points from nine matches. With 1-0 wins over Atlético de Kolkata and NorthEast United FC and a draw against defending champions Chennaiyin FC, they have indeed struck some serious form. The return of Bengaluru FC players, especially Sunil Chhetri, is an added boost for them heading into the match. Pune City too have experienced a mini-resurgence of their own with a 2-1 victory over Kolkata in their last match. With the standings being pretty close at the moment, a win for the Stallions can push them back into contention for a spot in the semis. The second Maharashtra derby of the season thus promises to be an exciting affair with pride as well as points at stake.

Head-to-head: Mumbai City thumped Pune 5-0 at home before Pune City returned the favour with a 2-0 win in Hero ISL 2014. In Hero ISL 2015, the Stallions took the honours 3-1 at home before playing out a 0-0 draw in the return fixture. In their first meeting earlier this season in Balewadi, Mumbai City came out on top thanks to Argentine Matias Defederico’s only goal of the game.

Form Guide (last five matches):

Mumbai City FC: D-L-W-D-W

FC Pune City: D-D-D-L-W

Lucian Goian vs Anibal Rodriguez

Lucian Goian has been a rock like presence in defence for Mumbai City. The 33-year-old has pulled out successful tackles with ease. He has repeatedly foiled attacks with his interceptions and is a threat during set-pieces with his aerial skills.

Anibal Rodriguez has been the main marksman for FC Pune City this season. The Spanish poacher can change the complexion of a game in the blink of an eye. His slick passing, coupled with aerial abilities, makes him a difficult man to hold down. He scored from the spot in Pune’s win against ATK in their last game and his current form should be a matter of concern for the opposition on Thursday.

Krisztian Vadocz vs Eugeneson Lyngdoh

Krisztian Vadocz has been a star performer for Mumbai in the 2016 Hero ISL. Having played every minute of Mumbai’s campaign, the Hungarian has got the midfield ticking with his great passing skills. He has already scored twice and is one player who could punish opposition defences in their weak moments.

Eugeneson Lyngdoh returns to the Pune side after showcasing his skills in the AFC Cup for Bengaluru FC. The 30-year-old was sublime for the Stallions last year providing goals as well as assists. Lyngdoh is a sight to behold with the ball at his feet and on his current form, he could prove to be Pune’s most influential player on Thursday.

Sunil Chhetri vs Eduardo Ferreira

The talismanic Sunil Chhetri will also be returning to the Mumbai side after completion of his AFC Cup commitments. The 32-year-old had set the ISL on fire last year going on to become the league’s top Indian goal-scorer with seven goals. And he can do the same this year too.

Eduardo Ferreira has established his place in head coach Antonio Habas’ scheme of things with his reliability at the back. His tackles and interceptions have often been the difference between defeats and securing points. His performance will be key to Pune’s success in Mumbai.

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 Singh

FC Pune City: Edel Bete, Arindam Bhattacharya, Vishal Kaith, Zodingliana Ralte, Vishal Kaith, Rahul Bheke, Yumnam Raju, Narayan Das, Augustine Fernandes, Dharmaraj Ravanan, Eduardo Ferreira, Gouramangi Singh, Arata Izumi, Jonathan Lucca, Francis Fernandes, Bruno Arias, Josep María Comadevall Crous (Pitu), Lenny Rodrigues, Momar Ndoye, Sanju Pradhan, Anibal Zurdo Rodriguez, Gustavo Oberman, Jesus Rodriguez Tato, Eugeneson Lyngdoh