Mumbai City FC are set to take on Chennaiyin FC in game 13 of the Indian Super League at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Friday.
The Maharashtra side are currently without a win in the second season of the ISL and they will be looking to take the advantage of the home support as they go into the game against the visitors, who come into the game at the backdrop of a massive 4-0 win over FC Goa.
Chennaiyin FC currently remain sixth in the league table, just a position ahead of Mumbai.
Let's look at the players who are expected to play an instrumental part for their respective sides on Friday:
Mumbai City FC
Sony Norde - The Haiti International has really lighted up the games for his side so far in the ISL. On loan from Mohun Bagan and fresh after his I-League win, Norde has remained one of the lethal attackers in the tournament so far. His pace, dribbling, and frequent shots on goal has given him an almost-sure spot in the left wing position in ISL best XI so far.
Norde remained tremendous in every way in Mumbai's previous goalless draw against Kerala Blasters in Kochi in their last game. And on Friday as well, he will be the man to watch out for in the Mumbai City FC attack.
Sunil Chhetri - Cometh the hour, cometh the man. The highest goalscorer in an Indian team jersey and Indian football talisman is ready to ply his trade in his first game in the ISL on Friday, and appearing in front of the fans in their first home game remains an icing on the cake.
Everyone knows the capabilities of the three time I-League winner and the four-time AIFF Player of the Year, and on his day, he can single-handedly change the game. Nicolas Anelka could be playing Chhetri on Friday instead of Subash Singh, and with the presence of Norde and Frederic Piquionne in the attack as well, Chhetri may well be giving his best for Mumbai.
Chennaiyin FC
Stiven Mendoza - The short-statured forward from Colombia already stole the limelight after scoring the first hat-trick of the ISL this year. Mendoza's pace, dribbling abilities, and penetration is much talked about, and that will remain one of the keys for Chennaiyin FC tonight.
Mumbai City defenders Pavel Cmovs and Aitor will be expected to face a hard time in controlling the pocket-size powerhouse, whose link-up with Elano in the midfield and sudden bursts of sprint in the attack and occasional lethal shots on goal can give the much impetus to the visitors.
Thoi Singh - The Bengaluru FC winger remained a workhorse in his side's game against FC Goa. The two-time I-League winner is praised for his stamina and perseverance to snatch the ball from his opponents in every position of the field.
Be it the defence, or the midfield, or the attack, Thoi is always a formidable presence and some occasional magic on the field from him turn out to be the best moments from the game. The 25-year-old Manipuri, who was bought by Chennaiyin FC for Rs 86 lakh in the ISL player auctions, is expected to give the visitors the much-needed momentum in the game.
