Frantz Bertin will have a big job on his hands against the likes of Tuncay Sanli, Kalu Uche and Adrian Mutu on Friday. The Frenchman, who has been outstanding at the back for Mumbai this season, will be hoping for another solid performance against a potent Pune attack. He has made 10 interceptions and seven blocks in Hero ISL 2015 so far.
Adrian Mutu opened his Hero ISL 2015 account by rescuing a late point for the Stallions in their previous match. Pune’s marquee signing seems to be coming into his own as the season enters its business end. The Romanian striker’s form in the tail end of the league phase can be expected to have a major say in his side’s fortunes.
Selim Benachour has become the linchpin in the centre of the park for Mumbai City FC. The Tunisian midfielder has really come into his own for Mumbai recently. He has provided one assist and scored a goal in his last two outings for Mumbai. Expect Benachour to pull the strings from midfield as his side eyes maximum points from the match.
Lenny Rodrigues has been a constant in the Stallions squad since Season 1 and has been very impressive for the men in orange and purple stripes in Hero ISL 2015. Rodrigues has made more tackles than any other Pune player this year (29) and is instrumental in launching attacks from midfield.
Frederic Piquionne is key to Mumbai’s play in the final third. The Frenchman has netted on three occasions for his side thus far and has played a big role in holing up the ball in the opposition half to allow the Mumbai wingers to make runs off behind him. Piquionne’s confrontation with Roger Johnson is likely to decide the eventual outcome of the match.
Roger Johnson has turned into Pune’s go-to man at the heart of defence this season. His sliding goal line clearance last month is one of the highlights of Season 2 for the Stallion defence. The Englishman has made one assist and completed the most number of clearances for the Punekars this year (92).
