It’s Derby Day!

After an unprecedented 3rd home loss against Jamshedpur FC, the Islanders will be fighting to stay afloat in the race for a top 4 spot tomorrow against FC Pune City at the Mumbai Football Arena in the clash enunciated as the Maharashtra Derby.

Alexandre Guimaraes’ side were made to rue plenty of missed chances the last time out against Steve Coppell’s Jamshedpur FC losing 2-1 to a late winner from BikashJairu. An own goal from Sanju Pradhan opened the scoring for the visitors towards the end of the first half before Everton Santos equalized for the Islanders.

The attacking quartet of Balwant Singh, Thiago Santos, Everton Santos and Achille Emana ran the show as the home side managed a combined 10 shots on target. However, poor finishing along with heroics from former Islander Subrata Paul, who spent two seasons in Mumbai, kept the Mumbai City FC at bay.

FC Pune City will be coming off the back of a 1-0 win away at NorthEast United in the first of their 3 consecutive away games. Brazilian talisman Marcelinhoscored late in the 86th to hand the away side 3 points.

Where to watch it:

The game will kick off at 5.30pm IST and will be broadcast on the Star Sports Network, Hotstar and JioTV for all viewers in India. For our global fans, you can find your broadcaster here. You can also follow live action on our official Twitter account - @MumbaiCityFC

Team News:

The gaffer Alexandre Guimaraes reported no injuries with a full squad available for selection.

FC Pune City will have Chhuantea Fanai and Ashique coming back from injuries who trained with the squad ahead of the fixture.

History:

This will be the 8th Maharashtra Derby in the short history of both the clubs. It was a controversial evening when the two sides faced each other earlier in the season in Pune. FC Pune City came out 2-1 winners after a string of questionable decisions from the officials hurt Mumbai City FC.

Balwant Singh opened the scoring on the evening with a well-taken shot from outside the box past Kamaljit Singh. The hosts capitalized late on from two defensive errors with Emiliano Alfaro bagging a brace, winning the game for FC Pune City.

League Watch:

Table-toppers Bengaluru FC notched up their 5th straight win last night against FC Goa at home, becoming the first team to seal their spot in the play-off. Resurgent Kerala Blasters earned 4 out of 6 points in their late dash up the table after an away win at Pune and a draw in Kolkata. 

The other fixtures of the week are:

Saturday, 10th February

Jamshedpur FC vs NorthEast United FC (JRD Tata Sports Complex, 8pm)

Sunday, 11th February

Delhi Dynamos FC vs Chennaiyin FC (Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, 8pm)