FC Goa, FC Pune City and Delhi Dynamos have 15 points each, but Goa and Delhi have played a match less than Pune (10). The race for the playoffs berths is heating up as only five points separate the top and bottom-placed teams.

Mumbai City, which was among the top-four at one stage after its resounding 5-1 win over North East United, has managed to garner only two points from its last three games to be in sixth.

Mumbai City drew against Delhi Dynamos away and FC Pune City at home while the Maha Derby against Pune was a cagey affair with very few chances.

Mumbai coach Nicolas Anelka said he was disappointed to drop two points against Dynamos after conceding an equaliser in the final minute of play.

“If you look at the table, one win and we are right on top. From now onwards it’s a must-win game, not just for us but all teams. We are not far off from the top. We will speak at the end and see who is on top,” said Anelka at the pre-match media briefing.

“It’s not about tactics (anymore). It’s more of a fight on the pitch. Everybody can win against everybody. We must be ready to give everything,” said Anelka, whose team defeated FC Goa 2-0 at the D.Y. Patil Stadium with goals from Sunil Chetri (penalty) and Fred Piquionne.

“We have not won our last three matches and we need a win badly to move forward and hopefully our boys will give their best and win on Tuesday. The team is strong at the back and we have the advantage over our opponents having beaten them at home. I know that it is going to be a tough match but our boys are prepared to fight and give their best in order to win,” said Anelka.

Meanwhile, FC Goa continues to have injury problems as Lucio, Rafael, Bikramjit Singh, Joaquim Abranches are unfit for Tuesday’s game.

FC Goa coach Zico said he was pleased with his team’s showing.

“Despite injuries to our players, the team has performed well as a unit and every player who got the opportunity has responded well. The team is on the right track but cannot relax now as every side is playing well and we need to be cautious and maintain the winning momentum,” Zico said.