ISL 2015: Three reasons why Mumbai and Pune will share points tonight

Prediction

Mumbai City FC 1-1 FC Pune City

1. Pune's trouble at the back

Pune have conceded nine goals in their last five matches and manager David Platt will be concerned at how easily teams have penetrated their defence. To make matters worse, Pune will also be missing right back Pritam Kotal for this game, who is away on international duty.

Despite being near the top of the table, Pune have not been consistent with their performances. The Stallions have won only two of their last seven games and they will also miss Eugeneson Lyngdoh, their key midfielder, for this match.

2. Pune's poor away record

Pune have won only one match, a 3-1 win against Kolkata last year, in their last 10 away games. David Platt's men have failed to improve on their poor record on the road this season as they have dropped points against Chennaiyin, Goa and Kerala Blasters.

Mumbai, on the other hand, have been strong at home, and have won three of their five games at the DY Patil Stadium this season.

3. Mumbai to miss Chhetri and Norde

While it might seem that the home side have a clear advantage heading into this game after the two reasons mentioned above, however, those odds are evened out by the fact that Mumbai will miss two key players in this match.

Sunil Chhetri represented India in the World Cup Qualifier game against Guam last night, and is unlikely to play within 24 hours of that intense match. On the other hand, Sony Norde is away on International duty with the Haiti national team.

Both these players were key contributors in Mumbai's turn in fortune, following a slow start to the campaign. The duo have scored a combined total of seven goals and provided four assists between themselves and the Mumbai attack will be handicapped in their absence.

Despite facing a weak Pune defence, the Blue Devils are unlikely to score enough to win this game, which seems likely to end in a low-scoring draw.