Mumbai will try to erase the 7-0 defeat inflicted upon them in the corresponding fixture last season. Last time, it ended all hopes of them reaching the playoffs. This year, a win could catapult them to within touching distance of the semis and condemn Goa to a first season without a knockout appearance.
Zico’s third season in the ISL has been footballing hell for the Brazilian: inept squad management, multiple sanctions on the club as a result of the fallout in last season’s final, a side plagued by multiple injuries and several dubious refereeing decisions.
Goa sit rock-bottom as a result, having claimed two of their three wins this season in the last three matches, including a morale boosting 2-1 win over NorthEast United.
Incidentally, their first win this season was against Mumbai City as the Gaurs beat the home team by a solitary goal through Richarlyson Barbosa.
Richarlyson could be back in the line-up with Sahil Tavora, Luciano Sabrosa and Rafael Dumas each serving a suspension.
This will also be an interesting case of two returning strikers: Robin Singh, ex-Bengaluru FC striker making his way back to fitness after a year out of the game and Sunil Chhetri, who led Bengaluru to the AFC Cup final, having missed the first half of the ISL season.
For Alexandre Guimares, the return of Chhetri will be significant and the Costa Rican could opt to play the Bengaluru skipper, marquee Diego Forlan, Matias Defederico and Sony Norde up front, providing a stern test for the Gaurs’ defence.
Amrinder Singh, also returning from Bengaluru duty, will take care of keeping duties in place of Albino Gomes, who in all fairness, has been reliable when called upon.
Match Facts
Venue: Fatorda Stadium, Goa
Capacity: 19,000
Time: 7 pm IST
Last meeting: Mumbai City 0-1 FC Goa, October 21st 2016, Indira Gandhi Stadium, Guwahati
Head-to-head: Matches played: 5. Goa wins: 2, Mumbai wins: 2, Draws: 2
Key Battles
Romeo Fernandes vs Sena Ralte: This is a battle of two very talented Indian youngsters. Fernandes, who was a revelation in the first two seasons of the ISL hasn’t really hit those heights this season but still possesses the pace and trickery to trouble the Mumbai defence.
This has been Ralte’s breakthrough season and the left-back has shown composure and maturity beyond his years. The Mumbai defence haven’t conceded a lot with him in the line-up but he will expect a tough battle against Fernandes.
Sunil Chhetri vs Gregory Arnolin: This has been a very good year for the 32-year old Chhetri. Having seen the Indian football team shoot up the rankings, reaching the AFC Cup final with Bengaluru FC side, the Indian striker is at the top of his game right now.
Arnolin, the Frenchman will have his work cut out. The Goa defence has conceded the most goals (14) in this season’s tournament. Arnolin hasn’t been outstanding and has looked troubled at times.
Expected Line-ups
FC Goa: Laxmikanth Kattimani; Debabrata Roy, Gregory Arnolin, Keenan Almeida, Raju Gaikwad; Sanjay Balmuchu, Richarlyson; Joffre, Romeo Fernandes, Rafael Coelho; Robin Singh
Mumbai City FC: Amrinder Singh; Lucian Goian, Anwar Ali, Aiborlang Khongjee, Sena Ralte; Krisztian Vadocz, Sehnaj Singh, Sony Norde; Matias Defederico, Diego Forlan, Sunil Chhetri
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