Mumbai Indians v Pune Warriors at Mumbai Live Preview

The Match: This is the 44th game of the Indian Premier League and is between two teams who are separated from each by eight teams; one is at the top of the points table and the other at the bottom. Mumbai Indians will play the Pune Warriors India at the Dr. DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. >

How the two teams match up: Mumbai Indians have been one of the most consistent sides in the competition so far. They have won six games and lost two, and are currently perched at the top. Another win here will not only mean that they are almost through to the last four stage but also that the Pune Warriors will be left with no chance. The Warriors will need to win this one to ensure that the side can have an outside chance of going through to the playoffs.

Ground Conditions: The game will be played on a track which should assist both pace and bounce. Of course, what would help is that there have not been too many games played on this track in the last few days and that will make it easier for the curators to prepare a good pitch.

The Teams: For a side which has lost six in a row, it cannot get worse than playing a top-notch side like Mumbai Indians. However, what is interesting to hear is that the Pune Warriors have chosen to select Sourav Ganguly for the rest of the games, after he had not been selected in the auction. Ganguly replaces Ashish Nehra in the squad and will replace Harpreet Singh in the playing eleven.

There is also a good chance that the side will look to prop its batting line-up with the inclusion of Callum Ferguson, who will be a good pick in the middle-order. Ganguly may be expected to open the innings.

Mumbai Indians had a couple of injury issues in the previous game – there was that knock that Davy Jacobs received on his hand and then there was a cramp issue for Ambati Rayadu. If both are fit, the side may go into the game with the same 11. If not, it will be interesting to see who comes in place of the pair – Aiden Blizzard and Rajagopal Satish could get their chances.

Players to look out for: Mumbai will hope that Kieron Pollard can get a couple of big ones from his bat whereas the Pune Warriors will need Yuvraj Singh to fire now.

Prediction: Mumbai Indians will have the upper hand for this one.