Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18’s second ‘Maha’ derby will witness Mumbai City FC welcome FC Pune City at the Mumbai Football Arena on Sunday. The Islanders are on a poor run of form having registered victory only once in their last five fixtures and have also lost their previous three home matches. With the prospect of a playoff berth gradually slipping away, Mumbai will want to bag three points against their local foes. Meanwhile, the Stallions have won three of their last five games and have only lost one away fixture all season. They come off the back of a 1 – 0 success over NorthEast United FC and will hope to carry that momentum into what promises to be a feisty encounter.

HEAD TO HEAD

Mumbai City FC 2 – 4 FC Pune City (1 draw)

KEY PLAYERS

Everton Santos (Mumbai City FC)

The Brazilian has brought a lot of fluidity into the Mumbai attacking line. He uses his pace and dribbling ability to good effect, outpacing and outfoxing many a defence. A clinical finisher and a crisp passer of the ball, Everton has four goals and as many assists to his name this season. He will look to influence and guide his side to a much-needed win against Pune.

Marcelinho (FC Pune City)

Marcelinho has carried his form from last season into the ongoing campaign. He has been at his free-scoring best and has taken it upon himself to tear apart any defence that he comes up against. A quick player and a deadly finisher, the Brazilian has scored seven goals with the same amount of assists as well. He will look to inspire the Stallions to another victory in the den of their local rivals on Sunday.

POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUPS

Mumbai City FC

Alexandre Guimaraes may opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation that would add versatility both in attack and defence.

Goalkeeper: Amrinder Singh

Defenders: Raju Gaikwad, Lucian Goian, Gerson Vieira, Sanju Pradhan

Midfielders: Everton Santos, Achille Emana, Sahil Tavora, Abinash Ruidas, Thiago Santos

Forward: Balwant Singh

Islanders head coach Alexandre Guimaraes on his team’s objectives ahead of the match: “What you have to do is to win your own games. But of course, in our case we have to continue to do what we have been doing in terms of performance. We have been performing really well especially in the last two games, but you have to take your chances when you get them. We will have to be the one to take the initiative. We have had a good week of practice, and we are ready to give it our best.”

FC Pune City

Ranko Popovic may counter with his own 4-2-3-1 formation, with Emiliano Alfaro spearheading the Stallions’ attack.

Goalkeeper: Vishal Kaith

Defenders: Sarthak Golui, Gurtej Singh, Rafael Lopez, Lalchhuanmawia Fanai

Midfielders: Diego Carlos, Adil Khan, Jonatan Lucca, Marcelinho, Ashique Kuruniyan

Forward: Emiliano Alfaro

Pune’s assistant coach Vladica Grujic on his team’s mentality for the match: “Of course, this is an important game – the Maharashtra derby. I assure you that Mumbai will give it their all in the starting minutes to assert command over the game. But we know this, and for our team it is important to have a winning mentality. We want to win every game, and tomorrow will be no different. We want to have a good performance tomorrow.”

KEY STATS

• Both sides have lost four home matches so far

LAST ENCOUNTER

FC Pune City 2 – 1 Mumbai City FC (29^th November 2017 at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune)

FORM GUIDE (Last five matches)

Mumbai City FC: L W L L D

FC Pune City: W L W W L