Mumbai City FC are expecting a backlash when they face FC Pune City in a crunch bottom of the table clash in latter’s own den with both teams desperate for a win to keep their hopes of qualification for the semi-finals alive. Mumbai’s 5-0 victory over Pune in the maximum city been well documented and visiting head coach Peter Reid conceded at the pre-match press conference that he has a tough game on his hand as the hosts have improved vastly after that loss.“I expect it to be a difficult game, it is going to be very tight,” said the English gaffer at a press conference at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Balewadi, Pune, ahead of Wednesday’s fixture.Mumbai have won just two more games after that famous victory, losing four and drawing three, which has not pleased Reid one bit. “I am obviously disappointed with our performances, and we have to improve,” he quipped. “If you ask me, if we score in the 90th minute and win 1-0, I would take that any day!” he said, when questioned whether the earlier win could inspire them to prosper against the same opponents.Mumbai will miss three influential players tomorrow -- Nicolas Anelka, Freddie Ljungberg and André Moritz – who are all down with different injuries. “If you ask me, I wouldn’t bet on Anelka’s chances, with his groin injury,” said Reid, when asked about the availability of his charismatic French striker. But the coach is hopeful that other members of the team will step up and deliver.Although Mumbai are at rock bottom in the Hero Indian Super League, they are not yet out, and Reid insists they will give it their best shot. “We’re looking for a win. I wouldn’t give up on our chances of qualifying until it’s mathematically not possible,” he declared.Mumbai captain Syed Nabi, who accompanied Reid for the media interaction, echoed his coach’s sentiments. “With the way the league table is shaped, anything is possible,” he quipped. “Everyone can see that this is not the same Pune team that lost to us. They might have lost in Mumbai but then went to Kolkata and won against them, so it’s unpredictable. All the teams have been constantly improving in the competition, but we’ve been unlucky that injuries have hampered us. But, obviously, we’ve come here hoping for a win,” he added.
