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Mumbai City FC host Delhi Dynamos FC in Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 at the Mumbai Football Arena on Friday. The Islanders are fresh from their 2 – 0 away triumph against NorthEast United FC and will look to carry forward the momentum as they aim to jump towards the top of the table. The Lions on the other hand, are on a poor run of form having lost all their last five fixtures. They need a turn in fortunes soon if they want to seal a semi-final berth, and will hope it begins with the trip to Mumbai.
HEAD TO HEAD
Mumbai City FC 2 – 1 Delhi Dynamos FC (3 draws)
KEY PLAYERS
Abinash Ruidas (Mumbai City FC)
A winger by trade, the 22-year-old has been mostly deployed in a more defensive role as a left-back or a wing-back this season. However, he has not disappointed as his pacey runs on the flank combined with his solid defensive attributes makes him one of the most versatile players on the pitch. Ruidas is excellent at tracking back as well as initiating counters and will have a part to play for his team when the Lions come calling.
Jeroen Lumu (Delhi Dynamos FC)
The Dutchman has been an energetic figure in the Delhi attack. His team has been faltering time and again, but Lumu has used his pace and trickery to good effect to outfox defenders on more than one occasion. He gets a good few shots away in each match and always keeps the opposition defence on its toes. The 22-year-old is one of those who can inspire a turnaround in Delhi’s campaign, and will look to do so when they visit Mumbai.
POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUPS
Mumbai City FC
Alexandre Guimaraes may make use of a 4-4-1-1 formation with the Islanders, looking to keep the opposition guessing with their options up front.
Goalkeeper: Amrinder Singh
Defenders: Abinash Ruidas, Lucian Goian, Raju Gaikwad, Davinder Singh
Midfielders: Thiago Santos, Gerson Vieira, Achille Emana, Sanju Pradhan, Everton Santos
Forwards: Balwant Singh
The host’s head coach on their opponents of the night: “I know that Delhi will fight very hard tomorrow because if they lose, it will be a very difficult situation for them to recover from. We are very sure that we have to play very seriously without underestimating anyone.”
Delhi Dynamos FC
Miguel Portugal may counter by deploying his team in a 4-1-4-1 formation as Delhi look to optimize their midfield.
Goalkeeper: Arnab Das Sharma
Defenders: Munmun Lugun, Pratik Chowdhary, Gabriel Cichero, Pritam Kotal
Midfielders: Jeroen Lumu, Matias Mirabaje, Paulinho Dias, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Romeo Fernandes
Forward: Kalu Uche
The visitors assistant coach Shakti Chauhan on his team’s poor form: “To be honest, everything was going well. The training was okay, the game was okay. We are keeping ball possession. The only thing wrong is the kind of thrust we are putting in the final third. The finishing has not been up to the mark and we have been working on that for the past few games.”
KEY STAT
Both Mumbai and Delhi have never tasted defeat in this fixture while playing at home
LAST ENCOUNTER
Mumbai City FC 0 – 0 Delhi Dynamos FC (3rd December 2016 at the Mumbai Football Arena)
FORM GUIDE (Last five matches)
Mumbai City FC: W L W D L
Delhi Dynamos FC: L L L L L
