When Delhi Dynamos lost at home to Kerala Blasters on November 16, most thought Mumbai City FC will be the outright favourite for the Indian Super League encounter that takes place here on Friday.
Dynamos had not shown enough quality to suggest that three points would be in its grasp; luck chose to rebuff the side’s advances too. Admittedly, Mumbai had failed to put on its best show as well, but its failures didn’t sting as much. Peter Reid’s men still found themselves in the semifinal spot.
However, it’s tough to claim with any degree of confidence that Mumbai holds an advantage over Dynamos now. Reid’s side hasn’t scored in its last four games. Three of those were goalless draws while the previous match brought a 0-3 defeat to Chennaiyin FC at home.
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Mumbai’s returns in front of the goal have been bafflingly poor. If one were to put aside its 5-0 thrashing of FC Pune City, the Ranbir Kapoor-owned side has managed only three goals in the remaining nine matches.
While a win over Dynamos will place Mumbai on the same number of points as FC Goa and Kerala, its inferior goal difference means it needs a big win to displace the third or fourth-placed teams. In the absence of injured duo Nicolas Anelka and Andre Moritz, it will only be tougher.
Hence, Dynamos can afford to feel optimistic. A 2-1 away win against NorthEast United FC on Monday kept the team in the race for a semifinal spot. Victory in its consecutive home games — Mumbai on Friday and Atletico de Kolkata on Tuesday — will only strengthen Dynamos’ claims.
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Manager Harm van Veldhoven has frequently spoken about the lack of preparation and recovery time in the ISL. Hence, when his side received a week-long break ahead of its contest against NEUFC, the chance wasn’t wasted. A change in tactics saw Francis Fernandes lead the attacking line while Gustavo dos Santos moved out wide.
Another change in strategy can’t be ruled out as Bruno Arias and Shylo Malswamtluanga are doubtful. Souvik Chakraborthy and Wim Raymaekers, though, will certainly miss out due to suspension and injury, respectively.