ISL 2017, Match 11: FC Pune City vs Mumbai City FC, Predicted XI

After a break of two days, FC Pune City are ready to host their neighbors Mumbai City FC in the first Maharashtrian derby of ISL 2017. This is not just a battle for 3 points tonight in Pune but bragging rights are also up for grab.

Both sides have defeated each other in away games last season. However, history favours the hosts as they have come victorious in the Maratha derby thrice to 2 wins for the Mumbaikars.

After losing their opening fixtures, both Mumbai and Pune are approaching the derby at the back of victories their previous fixtures against Goa and ATK, respectively. FC Pune City registered the joint biggest win of this season by defeating the defending champions 4 goals to 1, while the Islanders have registered a 2-1 victory against the Gaurs.

Let’s take a look at what both the sides have to offer in their second game of the ISL 2017.

FC Pune City

Pune gaffer Ranko Popovic will be a more relaxed man after their performance against the defending champions ATK. More importantly, the golden boot of last season Marcelinho found his touch back and played a part in as many as four goals against ATK (2 goals and 2 assists).

The Stallions might be coming at the back of a big win, but there will be an additional pressure to win at home in the first Maha derby of this season. He is expected to play with an attack-heavy formation of 3-4-3 with Tebar and Baljit sharing the workload of defence accordingly to keep the balance.

We are expecting a return for Kean Lewis in place of Issac Vanmalasawma in the side to optimise the flanks properly.

FC Pune City Probable Starting XI (3-4-3): Kamlajit, Gurtej, Rafael, Fanai, Tebar, Rohit, Baljit, Lewis, Carlos, Marcelinho, Alfaro.

FC Pune City Probable Starting XI

Mumbai City FC

Just like FC Pune City, the Mumbaikars are also approaching the derby on the back of a well-deserved victory against Goa. However, the Islanders' head coach Alexandre Guimaraes acknowledges the attacking prowess of his opponents and have to play accordingly.

Keeping the opposition in mind, Guimaraes is more likely to field his team into a 4-1-4-1 formation to keep a perfect balance between attack and defence.

Mumbai City FC Probable Starting XI (4-1-4-1): Amrinder, Razario, Goian, Vieira, Raju, Sanju, Sehnaj, Ruidas, E. Santos, T. Santos, Balwant.

Mumbai City FC Probable Starting XI

Prediction:

FC Pune City 3-1 Mumbai City FC

FC Pune City have showcased their attacking abilities against one of the most formidable defences in their previous game and we are expecting a similar performance from the Stallions here, in an attempt to take home all 3 points along with the bragging rights.