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With the mood in the camp lifted after a last gasp win against NorthEast United FC, the Gaurs move on to their second of three consecutive home fixtures and will battle it out against Mumbai City FC. Having beaten the Maharashtra team in the first leg away, Zico’s charges will be looking to pick up three more points in the race to make it to the top four. FC Goa beat Mumbai City 7-0 in the same fixture last year and will look to take inspiration from that victory when they step on to the field to face a much renewed Mumbai City FC this time.
FC Goa fielded just four substitute players in the last match and they will be relieved to have a few names back for the encounter against Mumbai. Richarlyson Barbosa faced a game on the sidelines after a yellow-red card against Kerala Blasters and he will return to the squad. Spaniard Jofre, if fit will also walk right back into the team. Laxmikant Kattimani has been an absolute rock between the sticks since he made a comeback into the team and he will be a definite starter. In defence, with Luciano Sobrosa and Rafael Dumas still out due to suspensions, Raju Gaekwad will continue at the back along side either Gregory Arnolin or Sanjay Blamuchu. Both the Indians had a superb game against the Highlanders in their last outing. Keenan Almeida and Debabrata Roy will, in all likelihood continue as full backs. In midfield, Trindade Goncalves also had a good game and he will be a front runner to start along with the returning Richarlyson Barbosa who will come in for the suspended Sahil Tavora.
Mandar Rao Desai and the industrious Romeo Fernandes will man the wings once again while Spaniard Jofre should reprise his attacking midfield role as well. Rafael Coelho has been a standout performer for the Gaurs this season and he will be a definite starter. With Robin Singh scoring and assisting in the last match, it will be interesting to see the team combination that the head coach opts for. Julio Cesar is also likely to make an appearance on the bench after returning from injury. Therefore Zico will have some options from the bench if he needs them.
Brazilian legend Zico knows that every game from here on is a must win for his side and he noted the same at the pre-match press conference. “Every game for us now is a must win due to the situation we find ourselves in. The players also know this. They will look to play with the same spirit they did in the last match,” he said. “This is the business end of the tournament. Players are tired and now it’s just a matter of some wins and we will move up the table. We faced a similar situation in the first season and we will take inspiration from that,” he added.
Mumbai City FC look to be a threat, especially from the wings with the hard working and tricky Sony Norde being a danger to defences. With Indian national team captain Sunil Chhetri returning to the fold and former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan in the mix, Mumbai City will be tough to beat while the FC Goa defence will have to be on top of their game to keep them out. Romeo and Mandar will need to step their game up from the wings and help the enigmatic Rafael out in attack for the Gaurs.
