ISL 2016: Struggling Pune face strong Mumbai in Maha Derby

Mumbai: The Maharashtra derby may only be 3 seasons old, but considering the rivalry between the two cities, Mumbai and Pune, it’s one of the biggest fixtures of Indian Super League (ISL).

Both teams have failed to qualify for the playoffs in the earlier seasons, however, this season it looks like Maharsthra will finally get their first semifinalist. Mumbai City FC sit at the top of the table and would be looking to consolidate their lead as they face 7th placed FC Pune City here, on Thursday.

Mumbai have only played three games at home till now out of the total nine games. Coach Alexandre Guimaraes is well aware of the importance of winning at home as they target to qualify for the playoffs.

“I think we have to continue to do what we have been doing well. We earned some vital points against very good teams in away games. No it’s time to win at home; we need points at home to qualify,” said Guimaraes.

“You don’t know what will happen in a derby, but we will try to win the game. Pune have changed their approach and they know they can’t lose,” added the Mumbai coach.

Struggling Pune won their second game this season against Atletico de Kolkata on Sunday and Pune’s gaffer Antonio Habas is upbeat about the derby challenge.

“The players are ready to play and the morale is very high after the ATK (Atletico de Kolkata) win. Mumbai beat us in the first Maharashtra derby but we will try to beat them tomorrow,” said Habas.

Low scoring games have become a feature of ISL 2016. Pune have only scored seven goals so far this season, but Habas is not concerned about the lack of goals.

The former ATK coach defended his team and says all other teams except Delhi Dynamos are facing the same issue.

“Only Delhi are scoring goals, but all the other teams are struggling to score. It’s a highly competitive league and it is difficult for strikers to score.”

Mumbai have also struggled to score freely, but things could change quickly as they welcome back Indian skipper and prolific striker Sunil Chhetri. Chhetri, Udanta Singh, Amrinder Singh and Lalchhuanmawia Fanai are back with the table toppers after their successful stint with Bengaluru FC at the AFC Cup 2016.

The objective for Mumbai is to qualify for the playoffs and three points in the Maharashtra Derby would allow them to get closer to their target. A win would also allow Mumbai to stretch their lead at the top of the table.

On the other hand, the derby is an opportunity for Habas’ team to bring back their campaign back on track and mount a serious challenge for playoffs qualification.