ISL: FC Pune City Vs Mumbai City FC - Preview, team news and expected line-ups

Pune, Oct 3: FC Pune City take on Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super League 2016 season's first Maharashtra Derby on Day 3.

Full schedule of ISL 2016; Full list of squads of ISL 2016

Both the teams will look forward to kick-starting their campaign on a high note registering a win considering none could progress to the semifinals of either if the season.

FC Pune City have roped in ace Spanish manager Antonio Lopez Habas from Atletico de Kolkata this season. They have also made several changes in their squad in order to win the coveted title this time.

Just like their state rivals, Mumbai City FC too have made several changes in their existing squad. They have brought in 2010 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball winner Diego Forlan as their marquee player.

The Mumbai franchise have also replaced manager Nicolas Anelka with former Costa Rican international and national team manager Alexandre GuimarÃes.

Team News

FC Pune City had initially signed former Chelsea and FC Barcelona striker and Iceland international Eidur Gudjohnsen, but due to an unfortunate injury to the Icelander, they had to replace him former Liverpool and Juventus midfielder Mohamed Sissoko or Momo Sissoko as he is popularly known as.

Habas will the services of Indian international Eugeneson Lyngdoh as the midfielder has commitments with his parent club Bengaluru FC at the AFC Cup 2016. We expect the Spaniard to field his team in a familiar 4-2-3-1 formation.

Mumbai too will not be avail Sunil Chhetri, Udanta Singh due to AFC Cup commitments. Left-back Lalchhuanmawia will be missing due to an injury. He most recently had a knee surgery.

Haitian international Sony Norde will be in action for the Mumbai side in the attack alongside marquee Diego Forlan and India international Jackichand Singh.

Predicted Line-ups

FC Pune City

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Goalkeeper: Apoula Edel Bete

Defenders: Rahul Bheke, Gouramangi Singh, Eduardo Ferreira, Narayan Das

Midfielders: Jonatan Lucca, Bruno Arias; Francis Fernandes, Momar N'Doye, Izumi Arata

Strikers: Jesus Tato

Mumbai City FC

Formation: 4-3-3

Goalkeeper: Roberto Netto

Defenders: Ashutosh Mehta, Anwar Ali, Gerson Vieira, Aiborlang Khongjee

Midfielders: Pronay Halder, Leo Costa, Krisztián Vadócz

Strikers: Jackichand Singh, Diego Forlan, Sony Norde

Prediction

FC Pune City 1-2 Mumbai City FC

OneIndia