I-League: Pune FC readying for Maha Derby against Mumbai FC

Pune FC in practice

The Red Lizards get ready to meet a rejuvenated Mumbai FC in the first Maha Derby of the season on later this evening at the Balewadi Sports Complex. Three drawn matches at a stretch is something that Mike Snoei would like his players to forget and make a fresh winning start, in the Round 13 match of the I-League.

Last Sunday, Pune FC allowed a late goal from United SC in a match they should have won hands down, while the next day Mumbai FC pulled a rabbit out of the hat when they beat Kolkata giants East Bengal 3-2. Pushed to the corner after a series of draws and losses, Mumbai FC had no other way to turn to but go on the offensive. Coach Khalid Jamil finally had a grin on his face when his boys went flat out against East Bengal.

Pune FC is currently second in the table with 19 points, five behind leaders Bengaluru FC. Thanks to three points from the East Bengal game, Mumbai FC moved up one place into tenth with 11 points in their bag.

The head-to-head between Pune FC and Mumbai gives the Red Lizards a clear edge having won three matches comprehensively and drawn two in their last five meetings. There will be a totally different equation today as Pune FC coach Snoei has asked his players for a win as his 50th birthday gift.

Australian striker James Meyer has been without goals for a while and he seems in prime form to realize his coach’s wish. Mustafa Riga has been electric on the field, but it will require solid support from the midfielders to carry out the mission. Douhou Pierre too has been quiet for some time now and the derby seems ideal time for him to fire. He will have Nihkil Kadam and Anthony D’Souza for support if the coach decides to go with the same starting eleven.

Khalid Jamil on the other hand is hoping that his players would carry their form they showed against East Bengal. Yusif Yakubu will be the key again as he did in the last match. But Mumbai FC will depend on its triumvirate of Afghani players who have shown promise since their joined the team only recently. Sandjar Ahmadi missed out on scoring during the East Bengal rout, and it will be interesting to see how he shapes up against Pune FC.