Pune FC eye win against Mumbai in I-League

Pune FC will aim to log full points when they take on hosts Mumbai FC in a 12th-round match of the I-League football tournament at the Cooperage Ground here on Sunday.

Pune are currently placed second in the league table (15 points) above sixth-positioned Mumbai FC (11 points).

Pune will go into the match psychologically well-placed after winning the first leg 3-2 and are approaching the game on the back of a 1-0 victory over Royal Wahingdoh FC.

"I have had a few really good games at the Cooperage in the past. The stadium now is better with a good playing surface and the crowd even closer. I am looking forward to the contest," Pune coach Karim Bencherifa said in a release.

Pune, though, will be depleted with first-choice goalkeeper Amrinder Singh, midfielder Nikhil Kadam and striker Thongkhosiem Haokip all out due to national team commitments.

Winger Anthony D'Souza and playmaker Ryuji Sueoka are also out of contention due to injuries.

But the match will see returns of midfielder Edgar Marcelino and striker Darko Nikac. The duo missed out on the last few games due to injuries and will bolster their attack significantly.

Amrinder's place will be taken up by Arup Debnath who will make his first appearance for Pune this season.

Mumbai will also fancy their chances having been unbeaten in four games at the Cooperage, winning and drawing two times each.

Bencherifa said he is team will be cautious against Mumbai as they make life difficult for their opposition.

"Mumbai plays with a style as per their strength and they really get the best out of it. That's why it is not an easy team to play against."

The overseas duo of midfielder Taisuke Matsugae and defender Chika Wali form the nucleus of the home team who also have considerable experienced players in the form of Ashutosh Mehta, Mohammed Rafi, Abhishek Yadav and Justin Stephen.

However, the absence of suspended Brazilian striker Josimar Martins will be a major blow for them.