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Head-to-Head
Mumbai City faced FC Goa on four occasions last season in the Hero Indian Super League including a two-legged play-off for a spot in the final. Goa defeated Mumbai on three occasions, scoring 12 goals in the process. The lone win (1-0) for Mumbai came in the second leg of the play-off after Goa had won the first leg 5-1.
Also in the overall head-to-head, the two teams have met twelve times in the past and Goa hold the edge with five wins to their name. Mumbai have won on four occasions, while they have played out three draws.
Mumbai City FC Team News
Costa could not have picked a worse time to play a team which has proved to be thorny opposition. The Islanders come into this tie on the back of a 2-4 thrashing at home last week at the hands of Odisha FC.
Costa has a lot to ponder upon given the number of injuries, especially in defence where he is likely to miss Mato Grgic once again. They have had to field an all-Indian defence who will have to be on their toes against the attack-minded Goan outfit.
Star forward Modou Sougou too hasn't recovered completely from his knock and that has further crippled Costa's options in attack. Rowllin Borges, who picked up an injury before the Odisha game, will also miss out.
"I spoke to the players after the defeat against Odisha FC. We've to fix our mistakes and we've to be focused to avoid these mistakes. In football, if you're overconfident then it's a problem.
"I'm not expecting an easy game. But, I'm sure FC Goa also aren't expecting an easy game. We respect them and they respect us," said the Portuguese.
FC Goa Team News
Though Mumbai are known to sit back and stay organised, they have always struggled against the movement and guile of Lobera's Goa.
However, the Gaurs aren't exactly at their best this season. After a 3-0 win over Chennaiyin FC, they followed it up with hard-fought draws against Bengaluru FC and NorthEast United respectively. In fact, they needed a stoppage-time equalizer in both matches in order to at least pick up a point.
Ferran Corominas already has two goals to his name but injuries to Hugo Boumous, who has since recovered, and Edu Bedia hasn't helped their cause.
Mumbai is also the same venue where Goa lost the ISL final and a return to the very same ground could evoke some unpleasant memories. Lobera would be keen to ensure that his side get over the emotions and add another three points to their tally.
"I would prefer that my players remember the semi-final (5-1 win over Mumbai). I think every match is different. I think it is going to be a difficult match because we are going to play against a very good team and the past, I think, is not important for us," said Lobera.
Prediction:
Both teams haven't enjoyed a great start to the season. While Goa holds the edge in head-to-head agains the visitors, a draw seems to be the likely encounter of the match.
Probable XIs:
Mumbai City FC: Amrinder Singh, Pratik Chaudhari, Subhasish Bose, Sarthak Golui, Valpuia, Mohammed Rafique, Raynier Fernandes, Paulo Machado, Serge Kevyn, Mohamed Larbi, Amine Chermiti
FC Goa: Mohammad Nawaz, Carlos Pena, Seriton Fernandes, Mourtada Fall, Mandar Rao Dessai, Lenny Rodrigues, Ahmed Jahouh, Brandon Fernandes, Hugo Boumous, Ferran Corominas, Manvir Singh
Match info:
Mumbai City FC host FC Goa at the Mumbai Football Arena on Thursday (Nov. 7) at 7:30pm IST
Live on Star Sports Network
Live Streaming on Hotstar & Jio TV
Source: ISL Media
