ISL 2016: Players to watch out in today’s Pune City FC vs Mumbai City FC

3rd day of ISL 2016 and the tournament has its first derby fixture lined up for its fans. After the buzz of yesterday’s game between the Atletico de Kolkata and Chennaiyin abated, it is now time to gear up for one of the most awaited matches of the tournament – the Maharashtra Derby between FC Pune City FC vs Mumbai City FC. This match will witness the much awaited ISL debut of the Mumbai City marquee signing Diego Forlan. 

With Forlan on the field, Pune will have no room for complacency in their ranks ahead of their clash with local rivals Mumbai City. Let us now throw some light on the best players you need to have your eye on in the Game 3 of ISL 2016.

Here are the players to watch for in today’s matchup between Pune City vs Mumbai City-

Diego Forlan 

He is the biggest star in tonight’s Maharashtra derby. Former World cup winner Diego Forlan, who needs no introduction will be Mumbai City’s prime attack and the main challenge to Pune’s goalkeeper Edel Bete.

.@DiegoForlan7 is all excited for his first #MaharashtraDerby!
Show your support by using #BoleTohMCFC & #LetsFootball to help us win. pic.twitter.com/4T6WNApuCP

— Mumbai City FC (@MumbaiCityFC) 3 October 2016

Bete, who had the most number of clean sheets in the last ISL, will have to be at his imperious best to keep out the Uruguayan. 

Jackichand Singh

To fill in for India’s top talent Sunil Chhetri, who has his commitments reserved for the AFC Cup at the moment, Mumbai cannot think of a better man than Jackichand Singh. Formerly of Pune City, young Jackichand stated his lofty credentials in the recent International friendlies with the Indian National Team. Though he is not a striker, Jackichand will pose a major threat to the opposition defence and will be looking to ably support Diego Forlan upfront.

 Also read: FC Pune City vs Mumbai City FC match preview

Boithang Haokip

We cannot possibly talk about wingers and not mention Mumbai City’s Haokip in our discussion. The midfielder in his last two stints at Northeast United had been super impressive. Known for his exceptional dribbling abilities, Haokip normally operates in the wings and central midfield.  

Arata Izumi

Amidst all these Mumbai contenders, Pune certainly has a reason to brighten up. Their home boy Arata Izumi, who struck the back of the net for former club Atletico de Kolkata 5 times in the 2nd edition of the Indian Super League, is back to Pune. Considering his prolific form in front of goal in the previous I-League sessions, a lot is expected from him.  

Apoula Edel Bete

Donning the Golden gloves for FC Pune City this season will be the Cameroonian born-Armenian professional Apoula Edel Bete. As mentioned earlier, the goalkeeper will prove to be the biggest defensive barrier for Mumbai City’s impressive forward line in tonight’s fixture.

Image Courtesy: indiansuperleague.com