FC Goa set for high-stakes clash against Mumbai City FC in ISL 2025-26

Mumbai City are on top of the league while FC Goa are looking to close the gap

With just five-six games remaining for all the clubs in the 2025-26 Indian Super League (ISL) season, we can now see the potential challengers who are competing for silverware. Mumbai City, Mohun Bagan SG, East Bengal, Jamshedpur FC, Bengaluru FC, FC Goa, and Punjab FC have emerged as the seven teams that have a realistic shot at the title.

On Saturday, Mumbai City travel to Goa to face their West Coast rivals FC Goa in what would be a detrimental match in the title race.

A win for the Gaurs will end City’s unbeaten streak and will give them a big boost in their title aspirations.

The Stakes

FC Goa

FC Goa have 13 points in 8 ISL games and the Gaurs are currently sixth in the points table. They have lost just once in these eight games, however, four draws have hampered their chances to rise to the top.

Manolo Marquez’s side will be aware that any more slip ups could be the final nail in their coffin as they are currently five points behind the league leaders with just five games to go.

Mumbai City FC

Mumbai City FC have been brilliant in the 2025-26 ISL season with five wins and three draws. They are the only unbeaten side in the league and they are leading the race to win their third ISL title.

The next three games for the Islanders will be against FC Goa, Bengaluru FC, and East Bengal, all of whom are involved in the title tussle.

Any slip ups here would give a massive advantage to Mohun Bagan SG and Jamshedpur FC, who are hot on their heels.

Injury Concerns and Team News

FC Goa – The Gaurs don’t have any major injury concerns ahead of the West Coast Derby.

Mumbai City FC – Jorge Ortiz and Jorge Pereyra Diaz are injured and could miss the game against Goa.

Head-to-Head Stats

Overall Head-to-Head Record

Games Played: 29

Won by FC Goa: 9

Won by Mumbai City FC: 12

Draws: 8

Mumbai City have a better recent record as they have picked up three wins in their last four ISL meetings with the Gaurs.

FC Goa beat Mumbai City 2-1 in the 2025-26 AIFF Super Cup enroute to winning the tournament.

Predicted Lineups

FC Goa (4-2-3-1)

Hrithik Tiwari (GK), Aakash Sangwan, Sandesh Jhingan, Pol Moreno, Boris Singh, Ayush Chhetri, Harsh Patre, Brison Fernandes, Mohammad Yasir, Dejan Drazic, Muhammed Nemil

Mumbai City FC (4-2-3-1)

Phurba Lachempa (GK), Akash Mishra, Nuno Reis, Bijay Chhetri, Valpuia, Lalnuntluanga, Joni Kauko, Noufal, Brandon Fernandes, Vikram Pratap Singh, Lallianzuala Chhangte

Players to Watchout

Dejan Drazic (FC Goa)

Dejan Drazic has five goals and two assists in eight ISL games and has been FC Goa’s main attacking threat this season. He has directly contributed in all but one of Goa’s ISL goals this season and his side has clearly struggled Drazic has had an off day.

Manolo Marquez’s side will again be heavily reliant on the Serbian if they are to get the better of their West Coast Rivals.

PN Noufal (Mumbai City FC)

Noufal burst into the ISL limelight with Mumbai City last season and he has since gone on to become one of the best Indian players in the league.

The 25-year-old has scored thrice and has also provided one assist in seven games for the ISL leaders.

Aside from his goalscoring ability, Noufal’s pace and dribbling is electric and he will be a constant threat to Goa’s defense.

Did You Know?

• Mumbai City have conceded just 5 goals in 8 games, the least in the league, keeping four clean sheets
• FC Goa have kept an average possession of 56.1% this season
• Mumbai City have three wins and one draw away from home this season
• FC Goa have been awarded 4 penalties this season, the second highest among all clubs

Telecast Details

The match between FC Goa vs Mumbai City FC will be played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Saturday (18th April 2026). The game will kick-off at 7:30 pm IST. In India, the match will be telecast on TV LIVE on the Sony Ten 2 channel. It will also be streamed online live on FanCode App.

Outside India, in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, the Indian Super League 2025–26 matches will be live-streamed on FanCode. Begin Watch is the official broadcast partner for the Indian Super League 2025–26 season in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain.

In all other remaining countries, live streaming will be available on the FanCode YouTube channel.

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