Preview: Wounded Sergio Lobera faces former employers FC Goa in titanic tussle

The Islanders will feature many of the Gaurs' former players.

After failing to pick up three points from their opening game, FC Goa and Mumbai City FC will hope to return to the winning ways as the two behemoths meet each other on Wednesday evening. In what could be termed as one of the new Indian Super League rivalries, FC Goa, under the mentorship of Juan Ferrando would want to get three points against Mumbai City, who are coached by former Gaurs' head caoch Sergio Lobera.

FC Goa shared the spoils with Bengaluru FC in their campaign opener on last Sunday with new striker Igor Angulo scoring a brace against the Blues. On the other hand, a Kwesi Appiah strike was enough for a reinvigorated NorthEast United side to defeat Mumbai City FC in the previous weekend.

The Stakes

A chain of events that started from Sergio Lobera parting ways with FC Goa in the previous season, what followed have now made the Gaurs a rivals of the Islanders on paper. Mumbai City FC, who were taken over by City Football Group in the summer, signed several key FC Goa players like Mandar Rao Dessai, Hugo Boumous, Ahmed Jahouh and Mourtada Fall - who helped the Gaurs in their impressive run in the last three seasons. The final nail in the coffin was before the Indian Super League resumed, as the Islanders announced Sergio Lobera to be the head coach for the upcoming season.

After three wonderful seasons with Sergio Lobera, several crucial players had exited the Gaurs in the summer. However, the Goan side handled things well as they roped in a flurry of impressive overseas signings, along with a brand new domestic core who looks able to help new coach Juan Ferrando to retain their gameplay.

Make no mistake, it will be personal for both FC Goa and Mumbai City FC head coach Sergio Lobera when these two sides face each other on Wednesday evening. Both teams will look to clinch the three points by any means possible. Expect a hard fought game.

Team News

FC Goa do not have any injury concerns as the Gaurs are fit. However, considering the game against Bengaluru FC, Juan Ferrando is expected to make a few changes to strengthen the team in the midfield. Brandon Fernandes is expected to start while left-back Savior Gama, who was serving a suspension in the previous match, will also be available.

Ahmed Jahouh will be missing out in the game for Mumbai City FC for picking up a red card against NorthEast United. Raynier Fernandes is doubtful to make an appearance against FC Goa, as he limped out of the previous game due to an injury. Mourtada Fall is also expected to start against FC Goa after being an unused substitute against NorthEast United.

Head to Head

FC Goa and Mumbai City FC have faced each other 14 times previously. Out of these 14 matches, FC Goa have won seven times, while Mumbai City had four victories. Rest of the three matches between the two sides were drawn.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VLLnPHlHb0

FC Goa had defeated Mumbai City on both occasions in the 2019-20 season, with the first leg being 4-2 and the return leg with 5-2 margin.

Probable Lineups

FC Goa: Nawaz (GK); Sanson, Ivan, Donachie, Seriton; Edu, Lenny; Romario, Brandon, Ortiz; Igor

Mumbai City FC: Amrinder (GK); Rakip, Golui, Fall, Mandar; Santana, Borges; Goddard, Boumous, Farukh; Fondre

Man to Watch

Igor Angulo (FC Goa)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNBsnGao4fM

The Spaniard scored a brace to help FC Goa earn a point in the their campaign opener against Bengaluru FC. Angulo did not had much chances in the first half but the second half saw the forward netting twice in a gap of four minutes.

Angulo who is no doubt clinical with his finish, however, he will have to try his luck more often when inside the box rather than trying to get close to the goal if FC Goa is looking for all three points from the match.

Hugo Boumous (Mumbai City FC)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUcAdyXUsWo

Given the circumstances in which Boumous departed from FC Goa, he will be eager to prove a point against the Gaurs in this game. The attacking midfielder looked all over the place against NorthEast United and struggled to carve an impact. With a possibly settled lineup, the forward will have a more definite role in and around the box that will enable him to create multiple goal-scoring opportunities. In Jahouh's absence, Boumous will also have to shoulder the responsibility of linking the midfield to the forward line.

ALSO READ: Edu Bedia: FC Goa were superior to Bengaluru FC during the 90 minutes

Did You Know?

• FC Goa and Mumbai has shared 47 goals amongst them.
• Mumbai has made just twice in the playoffs, however they have been never made it to the finals of the ISL.
• FC Goa has only lost once at Fatorda Stadium against Mumbai (2017-18 season).

Telecast

The match between FC Goa and Mumbai City FC is set to be telecast live on Star Sports 1 SD & HD, Star Sports 2 SD & HD (English), Star Sports Hindi 1 SD & HD, Star Sports 3 and several other regional languages. Live streaming of the match will be available on Hotstar and Jio TV.

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