Confident Mumbai City look to continue late playoffs charge against goal-friendly Delhi Dynamos

Both teams have struck a good patch of form in the final weeks of the season.

Mumbai City FC will put their best foot forward and try to register a win against Delhi Dynamos FC even though that may still not assure them a place in the play-offs of Hero Indian Super League.

Placed seventh with 23 points from 16 matches, Mumbai City need to win both their remaining matches against Delhi at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Tuesday, and the concluding league clash against Chennaiyin FC in Chennai on Saturday.

Wins in both these games will take them to 29 points which could be the bare minimum needed to qualify. However, even if Mumbai win both the games, they still need other results to go their way.

The visitors are encouraged by their fantastic last-gasp winner against NorthEast United FC in their previous game and coach Alexandre Guimaraes has asked his team to keep fighting till the end.

“When you win these kind of games, the confidence is high. Everybody believes that; they know we are back (in contention) and now there is a possibility that we can qualify. It’s up to us to stay in the race by winning tomorrow,” Guimaraes said during the pre-match media interaction.

Mumbai City FC had won their home battle against Delhi Dynamos 4-0 with Delhi’s Matias Mirabaje being sent off. The team that Mumbai will face on Tuesday now has a completely different mindset and the coach is aware just how difficult they will make it for them to pocket full points.

“Sometimes when teams don’t have pressure, they start to flow and they are doing that. They are playing without fear of making mistakes which may have been the case in the beginning of the season,” said Guimaraes

Delhi Dynamos, already out of contention, are on a four-match unbeaten streak and are buoyant after registering an incredible 4-3 comeback win against defending champions ATK in their previous match. Delhi have already defeated Bengaluru FC at home and held Chennaiyin FC to a draw while picking up eight points from their last four matches.

“Tomorrow, I think my team is in a good position and good mood and I have very good hope for win. We have to show everyone that we play well not just in one game but all matches. Our aim is also to help improve the performances of our young players,” said Delhi Dynamos coach Miguel Angel Portugal.

Captain Kalu Uche, leading goalscorer with 10 strikes for last years semi-finalists, will hold the key after scoring in each of the team’s last four matches for Delhi Dynamos.

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Head-to-Head

Delhi Dynamos FC 3 – 1 Mumbai City FC (3 Draws)

Key Players

Seityasen Singh (Delhi Dynamos)

The 25-year-old winger has been a useful player on the flanks for the Lions. He has shown great speed and technique with the ball and has always kept defenders on their toes. A player who loves surging into the box in search of goals, Seityasen was particularly impressive in his display against ATK in his team’s last match, bagging a goal and an assist. The Dynamos will be hoping he can carry his form into the encounter against Mumbai.

Achille Emana (Mumbai City)

The Cameroonian is a powerful presence in the Islanders’ midfield. A strong player who is pacey as well, Emana’s runs down the middle give Mumbai a lot of edge in attack. He likes taking on opposition keepers as well and is a clinical finisher besides also being an incisive passer. Emana has three goals and four assists to his name this season and will look to inspire his team to another win.

Probable Lineups

Delhi Dynamos

Miguel Portugal may use his own 4-2-3-1 formation which has brought his team success in recent times.

Goalkeeper: Arnab Das Sharma

Defenders: Pritam Kotal, Pratik Chowdhary, Gabriel Cichero, Munmun Lugun

Midfielders: Matias Mirabaje, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manuel Arana, Paulinho Dias, Seityasen Singh

Forward: Kalu Uche

Mumbai City

Alexandre Guimaraes may opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation that gives Mumbai numerous options going forward.

Goalkeeper: Amrinder Singh

Defenders: Raju Gaikwad, Lucian Goian, Gerson Vieira, Sehnaj Singh

Midfielders: Sahil Tavora, Achille Emana, Sanju Pradhan, Abinash Ruidas, Thiago Santos

Forward: Rafa Jorda

Key Stat

• Delhi have conceded the most number of goals this season (34)

Previous Encounter

Mumbai City FC 4 – 0 Delhi Dynamos FC (29th December 2017 at the Mumbai Football Arena)

Form Guide (Last five matches)

[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

Delhi Dynamos FC: W D W D L

Mumbai City FC: W W L L W