FC Goa vs Mumbai City FC: Three key battles that could determine ISL semi-final first-leg

Mumbai City will look to forget the ISL Shield disappointment and win this game.

In one of the most anticipated matches this season, FC Goa and Mumbai City FC will clash across two legs in their upcoming 2023-24 Indian Super League semi-final fixture. The first leg is set to take place on 24 April 2024 and the second leg will be played on 29 April 2024. There is a major amount of hype ahead of the two legs due to the exquisite talent at the disposal of both the head coaches of the respective clubs. 

FC Goa and Mumbai City FC have former ISL-winning players who understand the demands of this competition stage. There is no room for error and the head coaches would be relying on their star players to secure a win with a big margin in the first leg that can ease the troubles for the second leg.

On that note, here is a look at three key battles from the fixture whose outcome can sway the tie either way:

3. Jay Gupta vs Lallianzuala Chhangte

Jay Gupta has been the breakthrough performer of the season for FC Goa. The full-back has been superb and the fans have been demanding his inclusion in the Indian national team for a while too. The physically daunting Gupta can be a tough player to go past but Lallianzuala Chhangte is enjoying a brilliant season and has the confidence to do so.

As it stands, Lallianzuala Chhangte has 13 goal involvements in the ISL this season (seven goals, six assists) in 22 appearances. Jay Gupta’s main task would be to keep Chhangte contained, resulting in a fantastic duel.

2. Brandon Fernandes vs Yoel van Nieff 

Brandon Fernandes has been in a league of his own for the last few matches, hitting form at the right moment of the season. The skipper scored a jaw-dropping goal from long range against Chennayin FC in the knockout fixture.

He will hope to dominate the midfield against Mumbai City FC but the Yoel van Nieff will make life difficult for him. The box-to-box midfielder is a key player for the Islanders and keeps the ball moving from defense to attack. His ability to recover ball possession is also impressive. Whoever wins the battle of the midfield will help their team in a major way.

1. Noah Sadaoui vs Mehtab Singh

Noah Sadaoui is FC Goa’s leading goal-scorer this season with 11 goals in 21 matches. He has his eyes set on the golden boot for which he trails by only two goals. He scored the opening goal in the Gaurs’ 2-1 win over the Marina Machans in the knockout fixture to give his team momentum in the game.

Mehtab Singh is a decent defender but his duel with Noah Sadaoui will be his toughest challenge this season, considering the stakes on the line and the form of his opponent. Rahul Bheke must cover Mehtab Singh diligently and the full-back will also need the help of his winger in tracking back to limit Sadaoui as much as possible. Regardless, it will be a key battle on the pitch whose outcome can have huge implications on the result. 

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