ISL 2018-19: Iain Hume debut boosts FC Pune City's hopes

Bottom-placed FC Pune City is still searching for its first win of the season, while Jamshedpur FC is placed fourth and is unbeaten in seven fixtures.

Having scored only six goals in seven matches so far, FC Pune City will be hoping that Iain Hume can provide ammunition up front with his knack of goal-scoring and wide range of passing.

Iain Hume is expected to start for FC Pune City in Wednesday's home game against Jamshedpur FC. The Indian Super League’s top-scorer so far with 28 goals, who has recovered from a knee injury which had restricted him to doing commentary work, will step onto the pitch at Balewadi Stadium for his team’s eighth match of the season.

A prolific goal-scorer and a player with great vision, Hume has been signed by Pune City as the seventh foreigner, replacing Emiliano Alfaro, who has moved on loan to ATK.

Like pieces on a chess board, foreign players are being switched by ISL team managements eager for results. Pune City, the home side, is still searching for its first win and is bottom of the table. Hume’s proven ability and experience make him a vital player and Pradyum Reddy, the caretaker manager since Miguel Angel Portugal was sacked after three fixtures, will hope that the Canadian can reverse Pune's fortunes.

Marcelinho and Diego Costa are available for selection after serving suspensions for red card offences earlier, meaning Pune City will be at full strength against the fourth-placed Jamshedpur.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday's fixture, Reddy said, “For the first time this season we have all 25 players to pick from. Everyone is available now. We missed quite a few players in the ATK game, but don’t have those issues anymore.”

Unbeaten over seven ties so far, the visitors played the same squad just once and tried out 23 players among whom 10 scored. With two wins and five draws, the side is placed fourth and a place in the knockouts is within reach. The Spaniard expects tough opposition from the home side due to circumstances.

Cesar Ferrando observed: “Pune Ciy for me is a dangerous team because they want to get their first victory.  It is a challenge for us.”

Tim Cahill will be miss the mixture having travelled to Australia to play his farewell  international match.