ISL 2023-24: Mumbai City FC vs FC Goa: Preview, Predicted lineup, injury news, H2H, telecast details

FC Goa need to win this game by a two-goal margin to make it to the ISL final.

From the brink of defeat, Mumbai City FC produced a resounding comeback against FC Goa at the Fatorda and are very much on the cusp of victory in the ISL semi-finals. Only thing to note is that there is still 90 minutes left to be played at the Mumbai Football Arena.

Petr Kratky and his team rose from their grave in the dying minutes of the first leg when they were 2-0 down against a Goa side that kept them completely at bay almost through the game. But, as soon as Jayesh Rane stepped on the field, the Islanders turned the game on its head and achieved a slender one-goal-margin advantage, which they will carry on in the second leg.

The Stakes

Mumbai City FC

As the much-anticipated second leg approaches, the Islanders find themselves in a favourable position, hosting the clash at their beloved MFA. The passionate support of their fans promises to provide an added edge, fueling their determination to secure victory and advance to the final. 

With a slender one-goal lead from the previous encounter, they have a crucial advantage to build upon. However, they remain acutely aware of the threat posed by FC Goa, a formidable opponent known for their resilience and skill. They can’t be complacent at this stage knowing that they have a great chance to proceed to the final.

FC Goa

With their backs against the wall, the Gaurs enter the second leg knowing it’s a do-or-die scenario. There’s no room for error; they must find the back of the net at least once at the Mumbai Football Arena to keep their finals dream alive. The subtle smirk from Manolo Marquez when Mumbai scored their third goal at the Fatorda Stadium speaks volumes about the gravity of the situation facing the Gaurs. 

It’s clear that the stakes couldn’t be higher for them in the upcoming match. To stand a chance against Mumbai, they need every player firing on all cylinders, operating at peak performance levels. The pressure is immense, but it’s also a rallying cry for the Gaurs to dig deep, summon their resilience, and leave everything on the pitch in pursuit of their ultimate goal – securing a spot in the final.

Injury & Team News

Mumbai City FC will definitely miss Akash Mishra, as he was stretchered off in the first leg. They were also without Jorge Pereyra Diaz in the first leg and it remains to be seen whether he will be part of the team in the second. Iker Guarrotxena is out for the remainder of the season.

FC Goa will miss Sandesh Jhingan who is out for the season. Mohammad Yasir too, was taken off early in the first half of the reverse fixture.

Head-to-head

Matches Played – 25

Mumbai City FC wins – 11

FC Goa wins – 7

Draws – 7

Predicted Lineups

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

Phurba Lachenpa (GK), Rahul Bheke, Yoell van Nieff, Mehtab Singh, Valpuia, Apuia, Bipin Singh, Alberto Noguera, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Vikram Partap Singh, Jakub Vojtuš

FC Goa (4-2-3-1)

Dheeraj Singh (GK), Seriton Fernandes, Odei Onaindia, Carl McHugh, Jay Gupta, Rowllin Borges, Raynier Fernandes, Boris Singh, Brandon Fernandes, Noah Sadaoui, Carlos Martinez

Players to Watch

Lallianzuala Chhangte (Mumbai City FC)

With two crucial goals already under his belt in the first leg, Lallianzuala Chhangte emerged as a pivotal figure for the Islanders. The right winger’s impact on the team’s fortunes cannot be overstated, consistently delivering in key moments throughout the season. 

All eyes will be on him, with the Islanders pinning their hopes on their #7 to once again rise to the occasion and lead them to victory. With his speed, skill, and ability to create scoring opportunities, Chhangte embodies the attacking threat that the Islanders rely on to break down their opponents’ defences. 

Noah Sadaoui (FC Goa)

Renowned as one of ISL’s premier wingers, Noah Sadaoui’s reputation precedes him as a potent goal-scoring threat. His consistency in finding the back of the net sets him apart, striking fear into the hearts of opposition defenders. 

Mumbai City FC’s defence will have their work cut out for them as they contend with Sadaoui’s formidable presence on the pitch. His combination of speed, dribbling prowess, and clinical finishing make him a formidable adversary, capable of single-handedly altering the course of a match in FC Goa’s favour. 

Did you know?

• Mumbai City FC scored three goals in the dying minutes of the first leg.
• The Gaurs’ eight-match unbeaten streak ended after the first leg as they succumbed to defeat against the Islanders.
• Petr Kratky’s debut ISL game as a coach in India was against the Gaurs.

Telecast

The Mumbai City FC vs FC Goa game kicks off at 7:30 PM IST, at the Mumbai Football Arena on April 29, 2024. Live telecast of the fixture will be available on the Sports18 Network (Sports18 1/VH1 Channel). Live streaming of the game will be available on the JioCinema app. Viewers from abroad can use OneFootball to stream the game.

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