Football, as many would say, is all about the numbers, the strategies and the result. But on some days, football is all about the occasion and about embracing the emotions. And for most parts of the footballing world, there’s nothing that brings out the emotions more than a derby day!
In what will be the first Maharashtra Derby of the 2018-19 league season, Jorge Costa’s Islanders will welcome FC Pune City at the Mumbai Football Arena, in search of our first win of the Indian Super League campaign.
It’s not been a start to be pleased with for Mumbai City FC, after succumbing to a 2-0 loss in the opening game at the Arena. The Islanders trailed with a Narzary goal deep into stoppage time in the second game away in Kerala, only for a strike worthy of a Puskas nomination by Pranjal Bhumij to rescue a point.
Miguel Angel Portugal’s FC Pune City, however, have only played one game coming into tomorrow’s derby against Portugal’s former side Delhi Dynamos. A late strike by the substitute Diego Carlos helped Pune snatch a point after a Rana Gharami’s first half thunderbolt for Delhi.
With the bragging rights an added impetus, Jorge Costa will be eager to grab the first win of his reign as the Islanders’ coach and ease some pressure going into a packed fixture calendar.
Where to watch it:
The game will kick off at 7.30pm IST and will be broadcast on the Star Sports Network, Hotstar and Jio TV for all viewers in India. For our global fans, you can follow live action on our official Twitter account - @MumbaiCityFC.
Team News:
In major team news coming in for the Islanders, young fullback Davinder Singh has been ruled out for the entire season after suffering an injury to his ACL. Replacing him, 27-year old Joyner Lourenco has signed for the club and will be available for the Maharashtra Derby. Head coach Jorge Costa, however, confirmed that Matias Mirabaje will miss out on the action with an injury sustained in training.
For FC Pune City, there is a big boost for Miguel Angel Portugal as Marcelinho returns from suspension. The Brazilian served a one-game suspension following his red card against Shillong Lajong in the Hero Super Cup but head coach Portugal is ‘not sure’ whether he will start tomorrow.
Who said what:
Jorge Costa: “In football, you can get 3 points, 1 point or zero. We know what result what we want to get tomorrow.”
Subhasish Bose: “We’ve learned our lessons in the first two games. Pune won’t be an easy opposition but we know what we will be up against.”
Raynier Fernandes: “A derby is always a special occasion. Being a Mumbaikar, tomorrow’s game is that much more special for me. But it’s important that we focus on the game and not let the emotion of the moment take over us.”
League Watch
Results:
17 Oct: Delhi Dynamos 1-2 ATK (Kotal 54’ Balwant 20’, El Maimouni 84’)
Fixtures coming up:
18 Oct: Chennaiyin FC vs NorthEast United FC (Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai 7.30pm)
20 Oct: Kerala Blasters FC vs Delhi Dynamos FC (Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi 7.30pm)
21 Oct: Jamshedpur FC vs ATK (JRD Tata Sports Complex, Jamshedpur 7.30pm)
