Preview - FC Pune gear up for ISL match against Mumbai City FC

Mumbai, Oct 17 (IANS) FC Pune City are all geared up for their second Indian Super League (ISL) game against Mumbai City FC at the DY Patil Stadium here Saturday.

Pune registered a drab goalless draw against Delhi Dynoamos in their first match and will look to record their first win in the tournament. 

In what could be termed as the Maharashtra ISL derby, both the sides from Maharashtra will be eyeing their first win. 

FC Pune City managed to pick up a point in their first away fixture against Delhi Dynamos, whereas Mumbai City FC lost to Atletico de Kolkata in the opening game of the inaugural ISL at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.

Franco Colomba’s side had an average outing in its opening game but still returned with a draw in Delhi and have enough reasons to believe that beating Mumbai on home turf is a genuine possibility. 

The team will be pinning its hopes on marquee signing David Trezeguet and Kostas Katsouranis to lead FC Pune City.

Speaking on the eve of the match, head coach Franco Colomba said: "This is a very important game for us as we chase our first victory in the ISL. Although, we managed a draw against Delhi, there were a few areas of improvement that we identified and we have worked on them over the past two days. We are filling the gaps and I am confident that our side will put up a strong performance."

Lenny Rodriguez was in great form in the last game and the onus to control the midfield will be on this seasoned campaigner. 

Emanuele Belardi, who made some superlative saves in the last game is expected to play a crucial role Saturday.