FC Goa V Mumbai City FC: Team News, Tactics, Lineups And Predictions

. FC Goa

V

Mumbai City FC

Fatorda Stadium, Goa
17 November 2015

***

The Hero Indian Super league has entered in its business end and the competition for the semi final spots is getting tougher with each passing match. League leaders FC Goa play host to Mumbai City FC at the Fatorda stadium knowing that a win would cement their place at the top of the table. The Gaurs at the moment lead the table with 15 points.

Team News and Tactical Brief

FC Goa

FC Goa as the season has progressed has looked a solid unit. Despite losing some key personals they managed to stay at the top of the league. Biggest setback going in the match could be injury of Rafeal Coelho. The Brazilian striker who has been instrumental in last two games in creating three goals has suffered a injury. It looks unlikely that he would start and his place could be taken by Rienaldo.

Apart from Rafeal rest of the players available for selection. The team looks much better unit than they started the season. The midfield has been the strongest point of the team. The flying wingers, Romeo and Mandar may start in the game. Both have been used sparingly by Zico and if needed he could use their pace against Mumbai City FC. The Brazilian duo of Leo Moura and Lucca has been amazing for the Guars. Both have created lot of chances and in process scored few goals as we;;. Having Spanish playmaker Jofre back in mix would give Zico a pleasant headache.

The defense has looked decent under the leadership of Lucio. The veteran defender has Marshaled troops well. The defense does have tendency to lose concentration which was shown during their last game against Pune City FC. The last minute goal denied them an important win. They will look to produce better performance at Fatorda under the humongous support of FC Goans.

Probable Starting XI: Kattimani, Raju, Lucio, Gregory, Das, Lucca, Leo, Mandar, Bikram, Jofre, Rienaldo.

Mumbai City FC

Mumbai City will be missing the most important member of the team Sony Norde. The Haitian International has been called up for the national duty. His absence will be felt by Nicholas Anelka and his team as his creative ability was the foremost reason behind Mumbai City success so far in the season. He was instrumental in almost all the goals Mumbai scored this season

Sunil Chettri’s return will boost team; he has been one of the best Indian players in the season. He is the top goal scorer of the league and he will look to help his team win against FC Goa. He will be well supported Frederic Piquionne. The Frenchmen has done excellent job in the last few games for the club. Defense of the team looks bit inexperience, and is on the weaker side. They will have to be on their toes against a counter attacking team like FC Goa. India international Subrata Pal will have tough task on his hand and will have to raise the level of his performance

Mumbai City’ s first job will be to silent home fans. Fatorda is one of the loudest stadiums in ISL and known to create hostile environment for away team. A win in this match could take Mumbai City top of the table.

Probable Starting XI: Pal, Ashutosh, Oa Dea, Cmovs, Keagan, Chettri, Gabriel, Bustos, Selim, Frederic, Anelka

Prediction

FC Goa 2 a 0 Mumbai City FC

FC Goa is in good form and with return of some key players the team looks very strong. Absence of Sony Norde will hurt Mumbai City. The HardTackle predict a comfortable home victory.

Image Courtesy: ISL Media