Preview: FC Goa look to thwart Mumbai City's playoffs hopes

The Islanders will look to get their second win in a row and retain their spot among the top four.

Mumbai City FC will look to take another step towards ensuring a semifinal spot when they take on FC Goa in the Indian Super League at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim on Saturday.

The tie went heavily in favour of Mumbai in the first leg, which was the opening encounter for both teams. Since then, Mumbai City and FC Goa have seen their season take opposite trajectories with the former firmly in the race for a semi spot and the latter out of contention.

The Stakes

Mumbai City FC

Mumbai City have 28 points from 17 games and a win will take the defending champions level on points with ATK Mohun Bagan and more importantly stave off Kerala Blasters FC who are fifth having 27 points from 17 matches. Mumbai will take on Kerala Blasters in what could be a virtual shootout between the two teams for a place in the semis and on Saturday, Des Buckingham's wards can start to take the equation in their hands by winning against FC Goa. Mumbai are unbeaten in their last five matches against the Gaurs.

"We have momentum going into the final stretch of the season. We have three games left but it's very much about focusing on the next game and that is Goa. They have played fantastic football throughout the season. We have come good in the last couple of weeks as well so we need to make sure we continue doing the good work and finish the season where we want," Buckingham said on the eve of the game.

Midfield lynchpin Ahmed Jahouh has been injured for some time and when asked about his availability, Buckingham said: "He could be available for tomorrow. The decision we have to make on him is for the longer term. We have three games left and also the AFC Champions League. So, we will take the call about him being involved tomorrow after speaking to the medical team. Everybody else is good to go."

FC Goa

FC Goa have nothing to lose, languishing in the ninth spot with 18 points to show for from the same number of games. They lost to league leaders Hyderabad FC in their last fixture and head coach Derrick Pereira would be hoping they can end the season on a high.

"It is always difficult when you have nothing to play for. But inside our team, each player's performance is very important for the club. We need to keep working hard and keep fighting. The players also need to keep themselves motivated. This is their profession," said assistant coach Clifford Miranda.

Jorge Ortiz has been the only shining light for Goa in an otherwise underwhelming season. Ortiz has scored eight goals and provided five assists in 14 games. This is also only the second time that Goa have failed to make it to the last four in eight seasons.

Team News

FC Goa

As per FC Goa assistant coach Clifford Miranda, the Gaurs will be missing out on a few players against Mumbai City either due to injuries positive COVID-19 tests.

Mumbai City FC

Des Buckingham confirmed that midfield maestro Ahmed Jahouh does not have a serious injury as his scans revealed. However, the Moroccan's involvement in the next game will be determined later on. Apart from him, the manager will have the leisure of choosing from a fully fit roster of players.

Probable Lineups

FC Goa (4-2-3-1): Naveen Kumar (GK); Seriton Fernandes, Ivan Gonzalez, Anwar Ali, Aibanbha Dohling; Brandon Fernandes, Princeton Rebello; Makan Winkle Chothe, Alberto Noguera, Saviour Gama; Jorge Ortiz.

Mumbai City (4-2-3-1): Mohammed Nawaz (GK); Rahul Bheke, Mourtada Fall, Mehtab Singh, Vignesh Dakshinamurthy; Lalengmawia, Vinit Rai; Lallianzuala Chhangte, Cassio Gabriel, Bipin Singh; Igor Angulo.

Head-to-Head

FC Goa and Mumbai City FC have faced each other 19 times prior to this fixture. Both teams have salvaged seven victories each. Meanwhile, just five games have ended in draws.

Did you know?

1. The biggest victory for FC Goa against Mumbai City came on 17th November, 2015, when the Gaurs won the game 7-0.
2. FC Goa have scored five goals in a single match against Mumbai City thrice between October, 2018 and February, 2020.
3. Since the 2020/21 season, Mumbai City haven’t lost to FC Goa. The matches have either ended as a draw or a win in favour of the Islanders.

Telecast

The match between FC Goa and Mumbai City FC will be played at the GMC Athletic Stadium, Goa, from 7:30 pm on 26th February. The game will be telecasted live on the Star Sports Network. It will also be live-streamed on Disney+Hotstar and JioTV.

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