Jorge Costa expects his side to steady ship, Miguel Portugal hopes to outscore Mumbai

The Stallions have the highest number of wins and goals scored by any visiting side at Mumbai Football Arena.

Mumbai City host rivals Pune City on Friday in the first Maharashtra Derby of the current Indian Super League season. Both the sides will be eyeing their first win of the campaign. History and statistics favour Pune, but Mumbai are certain they can defy all the odds.

The coaches of both the teams met the media before their clash for the pre-match press conference.

Coach's Corner

Jorge Costa (Mumbai City FC)

Costa hopes that tomorrow's fixture will be an easy one

Mumbai coach Jorge Costa knows that he has a lot better to do and he believes his team can steady the ship. Costa said, "The results until now aren't what we wanted. We are working, we are working good and I have confidence in the team. I'm hoping for a good game tomorrow."

"I'm happy with the players. Yes, we are building a team, but that cannot be an excuse for us not getting results. We are working hard every day," added the tactician.

Mumbai's injury concerns aren't over, and the injured players are still injured. "For tomorrow too, we have the same injuries," said the head coach.

Costa had some good things to say about Pune. He praised the team and the coach by saying, "Pune are a very good team. As I said, we are building a team. It's a new team with new players, but Pune have the same team as last season. They have a very good coach. We hope it is an easy game for us tomorrow."

Miguel Angel Portugal (FC Pune City)

Portugal is expecting his side to outscore Mumbai

Pune City coach Miguel Angel Portugal knows that his counterpart Costa will have his team prepared well. But, the former Delhi gaffer is certain that he can create problems for the opponents. He explained, "It's just the second game for us. I know that Mumbai's defence is fearsome and against Kerala Blasters they played well. But, it's a different match now. Jorge Costa will prepare his team well, but I know how to create problems for Mumbai."

Portugal wants to outscore Mumbai and he made it clear. He wants his team to score more than Mumbai, which Pune has been doing for the past few seasons at Mumbai's home. "My team plays always to score one goal more than the opponents. We play with possession."

Portugal and his team have had a long holiday between their first game and the upcoming clash against Mumbai and the coach made sure he uses the break well by understanding Mumba's game. "I know the team of Mumbai very well. I had some time to sit and watch Mumbai play against Kerala. I saw how well they play and how good their players are," said Portugal.

The Spaniard also added, "I know (Lucian) Goian is a good defender with responsibility and character in defence. In midfield, they have Paulo Machado and Rafael Bastos and in forward they have pace in Arnold (Issoko) and Pranjal (Bhumij) and Raynier (Fernandes)."

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When questioned if Marcelinho would play against Mumbai Portugal answered, "We had fifteen days before the game. But, after the game, we play Bengaluru in next two days. I haven't decided on the players who will play tomorrow's game and for the Bengaluru FC game."

Team News

Mumbai City

Mumbai have the same two players injured. Davinder Singh has already been replaced by Joyrner Lourenco.

FC Pune City

Pune have everyone fit and ready to play.

Probable Lineups

Mumbai City FC

Amrinder (GK), Subhashish, Kilsura, Goian, Shouvik Chakraborty, Rafique, Paulo Machado, Mirabaje, Bipin, Raphael.

FC Pune City

Vishal (GK), Sahil, Gurtej, Matt, Sarthak, Adil, Marko, Jonathan, Alfaro, Kuruniyan, Marcelinho.

Did You Know?

• Pune have the highest number of wins and goal scored by any visiting side at Mumbai Football Arena.

• Since last season, FC Pune have scored 13 goals in the last 15 mins of the match. Only Bengaluru FC (15 goals) have scored more.

• Mumbai have a very poor record of conceding late as since last season, they have conceded 11 goals in the final 15 minutes of the match.

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Broadcast

The match will take place tomorrow at 7:30 PM, at the Mumbai Football Arena. On television, the match will be live on Star Sports. It will also be streamed on Hotstar and Jio TV.