In their six encounters in the ISL history, FC Pune City have managed to defeat Delhi Dynamos only once.
So, when the two teams meet tomorrow in their ISL 4 season opener at Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, FC Pune City's new head coach Ranko Popovic will be hoping to do one better.
"I'm excited about our first match. We have had enough time to prepare. The players are also very excited. I hope we'll be able to do what we want to," the Serbian tactician said.
"Yes, at home we'll have more support to win all three points. But that does not change the way we'll play," he added.
Also Read
The 50-year-old manager, who is in India for the first time, has plenty of firepower at his disposal. Last season's top scorer Marcelino, who made the switch from Delhi to Pune along with Kean Lewis, will be the ones to watch out for. The duo netted 14 times last season.
And for their new Spanish manager Miguel Angel Portugal, that will be the target.
"It is important to start well. This first match is the test for what is my team is capable of. I think the competition is very balanced. The way I see it, anyone can win it," Portugal said at the match-eve press conference.
Even though the team has lost some of their mercurial players from last season, Delhi have brought in suitable replacements in the summer.
Commenting on the opposition in tomorrow's game, the Spaniard said, "Pune is a good team. They have some very good players in like Marcelinho and Alfaro in their squad. It's a difficult place (Pune) to come and play.
"We will try to win for me that is important. But this is the first game so we'll see how it goes. We'll also have to uncover how other teams in the competition play.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content