The Gaurs overcame the Islanders repeatedly until 2019-20, but the tables turned from the following season onwards, when Sergio Lobera switched to Mumbai City FC. Last season, they drew both the league-stage fixtures, but the Islanders beat FC Goa in the two legs of their semi-final game.
Mumbai City FC are in quest of their maiden victory of the campaign, having drawn twice and lost once in their three matches until now – placed 11th in the table. The Gaurs have accumulated five points from four games, and recent track record suggests both of them will want to start afresh after the international break.
FC Goa try to fix things in order
· FC Goa have contested an average of 77.5 duels per game, which is the lowest aggregate for any team in the current season. Will stepping up and improving that metric help them get one over the belligerent Mumbai City FC setup?
· The Gaurs have not won in any of their last three home fixtures. Previously, they had gone on a longer run than this, i.e. of four encounters, in January-February 2018. Manolo Marquez & Co. will be eager to not equal that streak and instead turn the tables in the forthcoming fixture.
Mumbai City FC’s overwhelming record against FC Goa
· Mumbai City FC have been on a roll against the Gaurs off late, remaining unbeaten in their last 12 games against them – winning seven times and drawing on five occasions. It is their longest such run against any opponent, which includes the couple of times they triumphed over the Gaurs in the semis as well, such as the 2020-21 and the 2023-24 campaigns.
· The Islanders have a tendency of knocking on the doors of the opposition consistently, having made 70 passes per game in the final third in the current season. It will keep the Gaurs’ backline constantly alert, though the visitors might want greater efficiency upfront given their recent goalless draw against Bengaluru FC.
Head-to-Head
Out of the 26 ISL fixtures between these two teams, Mumbai City FC have won 12 matches and FC Goa have emerged triumphant seven times. Seven games have resulted in a draw.
Coach’s Corner
“FC Goa is a quality team”
Mumbai City FC have conceded 2+ goals in each of their last two away fixtures, and head coach Petr Kratky is cognisant that they need to improve in that aspect, along with on the offensive side to secure the required results.
“For us, if we play home or away, it’s the same thing. FC Goa is a quality team, but if we stick to our plans, defend and attack well, we need to improve in all the areas and we will do our best against Goa, or any other opponent,” said Kratky in the pre-match press conference.
“It’s not about revenge”
Despite crashing out in the semis last year to Mumbai City FC, FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez ruled out the possibility of seeking any revenge. The Gaurs have kept two clean sheets in their last 11 games, but the Spaniard has assured that they will be putting their best foot forward against the Islanders.
“For me, there’s no question of revenge (against MCFC). We will be facing a strong, a very good team, but for sure we will be a tough side for them too, since we will be very competitive,” said Marquez.
Key Players & Milestones
· Lallianzuala Chhangte often brings his A-game to the table against FC Goa, having totalled seven goal contributions, comprising five goals and two assists against them thus far. His overall record of nine goals against FC Goa is the most by any player against the Gaurs in the ISL.
· FC Goa will be teasing the Mumbai City FC backline with Armando Sadiku being at the forefront of it. His six shot attempts per game have been the highest such aggregate by any player in the competition this season.
· Mumbai City FC’s Tiri has helped them keep things tidy at the back with his four headed clearances per match in ISL 2024-25, which is the joint-most by any player along with Stephen Eze of Jamshedpur FC. He also found the back of the net in their opening game against Mohun Bagan Super Giant, showcasing utility on both ends of the field.
Will Mumbai City FC continue their juggernaut against their coastal rivals or FC Goa snap the streak and get on their own positive rhythm for the season ahead?
ISL Fantasy
Tiri (5.6cr)
Has garnered 24 ISL fantasy points this season
Borja Herrera (9cr)
Has bagged 32 ISL fantasy points for the campaign so far
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