by
Pune FC faces a task of a different kind when they face off with Mumbai FC in the return-leg Maha Derby of the I-League on Wednesday.
Having let off the opponents last time, the job on hand for Derrick Pereira’s boys is to find a solution to get their rhythm right after their rivals constantly opted to delayed proceedings to claim a point in a goalless stalemate.
“We will need to work harder,” explains the coach on the eve of this Round-15 game and adds, “We need to create chances and convert them effectively.”
Adding, “We dominated no doubt the last time, but this time I hope to be different with my plans,” he adds.
Since the last game, Mumbai FC, stationed in city, has had two wins and two consecutive losses and will be on the look out to end their point drought.
On the other hand, Pune FC goes into the game with a couple of records to set straight in home games at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex. While Pune FC has fared well at home they still seek that elusive victory over Mumbai FC.
In the three encounters at home out of six they faced-off results have ended in draws.
While the match on the morrow will be to Pune FC advantage under lights, Coach Derrick will be without his teams’ top-scorer Mandjou Keita who is out of the game carrying forward a double booking.
Keita’s absence is huge, but the coach talks positively, “the break will be a much needed rest for him and will help him come back stronger which is what we want.” With the Guinean striker on the bench, options are aplenty with Subash Singh, Arata Izumi making first choices or for that matter even Douhou Pierre in place to join Jeje Lalpekhlua upfront.
Pune FC coach adds, “In Keita’s absence I am looking at others to step up and do as well.”
The home side goes into the game with two changes to their 18-man squad with medio Paresh Shivalkar and striker Jeh Williamson get into the squad in place of Jayashelan Prasad and Keita respectively.
Apart from Keita’s injury, Derrick confirmed that the team is fit with a few niggles to some players after the last match. “It’s not a big worry,” he added.
Currently in 5th position, Pune FC with 23 points will be looking en cash home advantage apart from taking heart from the eight-match unbeaten streak they carry ahead. A slip-up on the morrow can mean Salgaocar SC and Prayag United possibly knocking Pune FC out from the Top-5 bracket for the margin between the three is a one-point difference.
Coach Derrick opines, “Unbeaten is good, but then every match is a fresh start for it means preparation to play a hard game for results and work on the opponents strengths and weaknesses.”
As opponents, Derrick felt, “the team has some good ball players and many know their roles in the situations they are in.”
Both teams, have engaged themselves in a close finishes in the past. In five matches both have played at all levels, Mumbai FC hold the edge winning two, while Pune FC has won one.
FORM RUN (Last 5 matches)
Pune FC (5th, 23 points): D-W-D-W-D
Mumbai FC (11th, 14 points): L-L-W-W-D
HEAD-2-HEAD
18/01/12 IL Mumbai FC 0-0 Pune FC at Pune
15/05/11 IL Pune FC 1-1 Mumbai FC at Pune
08/12/10 IL Mumbai FC 2-0 Pune FC at Kolhapur
03/04/10 IL Mumbai FC 1-2 Pune FC at Mumbai
24/10/09 IL Pune FC 1-1 Mumbai FC at Pune
23/04/08 I2D Mumbai FC 1-0 Pune FC at Guwahati
