The clash of the capitals!
Nine days after a resounding 2-0 win away to NorthEast United FC, we’re back in action tomorrow against bottom-placed Delhi Dynamos at the Mumbai Football Arena.
A brace from the hitman, Balwant Singh both assisted by Achille Emana sunk Joao de Deus’ side who have now lost three games on the trot. The team from Guwahati has managed to score just twice in this season and couldn’t go past Amrinder Singh despite of some good chances falling for the likes of Marcinho and Seiminlen Doungel.
For Delhi Dynamos, this season has been an anti-climax of sorts. Miguel Angel Portugal’s boys won their opening fixture away to Pune 3-2. Since then, the Dynamos have lost five games on the trot, three of them coming at home, scoring just twice in the process. Delhi will be on the road for the second game in a row, coming off the back of a 1-0 defeat in Kolkata at the hands of ATK. Irishman Robbie Keane opened his ISL account for ATK after he neatly slotted his shot past former Mumbai City FC goalkeeper Arnab Das Sharma.
Alexandre Guimaraes and the boys will look to end 2017 on a high note and grab three crucial points going into the New Year.
Where to watch it:
The game will kick off at 8pm 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 find your broadcaster here. You can also follow live action on our official Twitter account - @MumbaiCityFC.
Team News:
Sehnaj Singh served a game’s suspension after four yellow cards and watched the Islanders’ win in Guwahati from the stands. He is back in contention for Alexandre Guimaraes’ side. Zakeer Mundampara came off the bench against NorthEast United and while Leo Costa traveled with the team, he was in the stands. Both of them will be in line for a place in the squad. Aiborlang Khongjee continues to inch slowly towards fitness.
For Delhi Dynamos, Albino Gomes will be the notable absentee in goal. Both Sukhadev Patil and Arnab Das Sharma have deputed in his place and both will be in line for a start tomorrow. Gabriel Cichero will be available for selection after serving a one match suspension for his red card against FC Goa.
History:
It was even-stevens between the two sides last season. A 3-3 draw away from home where Delhi clawed back from 3-1 down saw Hungarian midfielder Krisztian Vadocz grab a brace and Sony Norde grabbing the third after a sublime move with Cafu.
The return fixture in Mumbai was the final league game for both sides with both teams playing for the 1st place in the league. The match ended in a goalless draw.
Mumbai City FC edge the head-to-head record with 2 wins compared to a solitary victory for Delhi. Three draws have been played between the two sides.
Returning midfielder Sehnaj Singh will face his former side he turned out for Delhi in 2015. The injured Albino Gomes (2015 & 2016) will not be a part of proceedings tomorrow against his former side but left back Sena Ralte (2016) will be in contention, both having played for Mumbai City FC. Fellow left back Munmun Lugun is back with Delhi for his second stint with the club also was a part of the Mumbai City FC side last season.
Centre back Anwar Ali who now plies his trade for ATK is the only other player who has turned out for both side.
League Watch:
Chennaiyin FC sit pretty on the top with a slender lead after a dramatic South Indian Derby against Kerala Blasters. Chennaiyin’s Rene Mihelic slotted an 89th minute penalty but CK Vineeth scored to salvage a point in stoppage time. Bengaluru FC faced a second consecutive home loss after a late penalty by Trindade Goncalves sunk them against Jamshedpur FC.
The in-form and free-scoring FC Goa were humbled at home by FC Pune City who ran out 2-0 winners at the Fatorda. Emiliano Alfaro was on the scoresheet and so was former FC Goa man Jonathan Lucca. ATK notched their second win in a row beating tomorrow’s opponents Delhi Dynamos with a solitary Robbie Keane goal.
The other fixtures of the week are:
Thursday, 28st December
Jamshedpur FC vs Chennaiyin FC (JRD Tata Sports Complex, 8 PM)
Saturday 30th December:
FC Pune City vs NorthEast United FC (Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium, 8 PM)
Sunday 31st December
Kerala Blasters FC vs Bengaluru FC (Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, 5.30pm)
