It is the penultimate game of the Round 19 triple-header at the Coopeage featuring a classic inter-city derby between Mumbai FC v Pune FC. Two teams with similar tales in the 2009-10 i-League.

Following a slow start to their respective campaigns, both registered impressive unbeaten runs, picking up regular points along the way and rubbed shoulders with the big boys at the top of the standings although based purely on current form, neither team could have picked a better time to take on their rivals.  

Pune FC are winless in their last three games which includes two consecutive losses while Mumbai FC have not won a game in their last seven attempts, losing on four occasions.

Relegation Rat-Race

It is back to square one for Mumbai FC who now find themselves back in the same place when they started the season – the relegation zone. The only difference this time around is that the concept of the metaphoric “top half” of the standings no longer exists with nine teams separated by a mere six points and a statistical game of musical chairs in the offing.

Consider this - a comprehensive win for Mumbai in the tie would actually enable the 13th placed team to spectacularly leap-frog their opponents all the way up to 7th, all in the matter of ninety minutes!

Concurrently, a win for Pune would enable them to gain a massive advantage over the chasing pack and rake up 26 points, moving up to 5th place with the added bonus of a game in hand.

In short, a must-win game for both teams.

Personnel Predicament 

These are testing times at Mumbai FC for rookie coach Khalid Jamil who faces the daunting task of picking the starting XI with nearly two-thirds of the regular first-teamers unavailable for the match.  Midfielders Dane Pereira and Noel Wilson are the new additions to the casualty list which already features the high profile strike partnership of Abhishek Yadav and Kayne Vincent.

At the back, Keeper Nidhinlal and central defender Anas Edathodika have been ruled out due to suspension.

Over in the red corner, Coach Derrik Pereira faces no such major issues apart from an injury to inspirational midfield playmaker Dohou Pierre. Defender Chika Wali will also miss out on the tie after exceeding the yellow card limit.

Flash Back 

It was honors even at 1-1 when the two teams last met in Round 5 of the opening phase at the Balewadi Sports Complex. Pune started off brightly, took an early lead courtesy of skipper Venkatesh’s strike before Mumbai FC clawed their way back courtesy of a Darren Caldeira equalizer in the closing stages of the first half.

“We have to play for a win. It’s a home game and we need the three points to move out of the relegation zone and boost the morale of the boys  – especially ahead of next week’s clash against Mahindra United” stated Coach Jamil.