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FC Goa host Mumbai City FC in Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on Sunday. The Gaurs enter the game on the back of two successive victories, with the victims being Jamshedpur FC and Kerala Blasters FC, respectively. A win against a resolute Mumbai side would see them consolidate their top-four status.
On the other hand, the Islanders are on a poor run of form having picked up just a single point from their last three fixtures. After losing two consecutive matches, a win against Goa would be of great help in their bid to reach the playoffs. They, however, would be buoyed by the fact that they bettered their opponents at home when these two met earlier this season.
HEAD TO HEAD
FC Goa 2–2 Mumbai City FC (3 draws)
KEY PLAYERS
Edu Bedia (FC Goa)
The Spaniard has anchored Goa’s midfield to good effect. He has neutralized the attacks of the opposition, as well as, surged forward with the ball effectively. Bedia also has a good eye for picking out decisive passes and has a goal and an assist to his name this season. Against Mumbai, he will look to be his usual impactful self.
Balwant Singh (Mumbai City FC)
Balwant has been the Islanders’ go-to-man upfront. He has been clinical in front of goal and has shown good poaching skills. He uses his strength and intelligence to get behind the defence and shows composure with the ball at his feet. The 31-year-old has five goals and an assist to his name and will look to be on the scoresheet in their crucial visit to Goa.
POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUPS
FC Goa
Sergio Lobera will probably stick to his 4-2-3-1 formation which ensures their formidable attack receives good service from the midfield.
Goalkeeper: Laxmikant Kattimani
Defenders: Narayan Das, Mohamed Ali, Sergio Juste, Seriton Fernandes
Midfielders: Edu Bedia, Manuel Arana, Brandon Fernandes, Mandar Rao Dessai, Manuel Lanzarote
Forward: Ferran Corominas
Goa’s gaffer on his team’s preparation for the fixture: “What we have to focus is on ourselves. We can’t think about the other team. I don’t think we deserved to lose in the reverse fixture. We need to ensure that we do as much as possible.”
Mumbai City FC
Alexandre Guimaraes may opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation that would add versatility both in attack and defence.
Goalkeeper: Amrinder Singh
Defenders: Raju Gaikwad, Lucian Goian, Gerson Vieira, Sanju Pradhan
Midfielders: Everton Santos, Achille Emana, Sahil Tavora, Abinash Ruidas, Thiago Santos
Forward: Balwant Singh
Mumbai’s head coach on his team’s approach to the game: “We have been trying to establish a pattern of playing. With that pattern, we have been playing a good game which sometimes doesn’t match with the points we have. If you play well, you have more chances to win. This is the posture with which we will come tomorrow.”
KEY STATS
– Goa handed out the heaviest ever defeat in the history of ISL to Mumbai, when the Gaurs won 7–0 against the Islanders in the second season at Goa
– All three draws between the two sides have been goalless
LAST ENCOUNTER
Mumbai City FC 2–1 FC Goa (25th November 2017 at the Mumbai Football Arena)
FORM GUIDE
FC Goa: W W L D L
Mumbai City FC: L L D W W
