FC Goa welcome Mumbai City FC in a Round 10 encounter of the Hero Indian Super League, but will look to consolidate their lead on top of the standings.
Mumbai City FC may lie sixth in the Hero Indian Super League standings, but close nature of the league has made it easy for marquee player cum manger Nicolas Anelka as he waits for the victory to catapult them to the top.
Nicolas Anelka seemed pretty bullish in the pre match press conference, as he issued a challenge to finish the league stage on the top of the pile.
a If you look at the table, we are not far. One win and we are right on top. From now onwards ita s a must win game, not just for us but all teams. We are not far from the top. We will speak at the end and see who is on top.a
Mumbai City, who have drawn their previous fixtures, will be hoping for a better fortune at the JLN Stadium in Fatorda, after having conceded a late equaliser against Delhi Dynamos at the JLN Stadium in Delhi. Anelka will be missing the services of the Hatian international Sony Norde as he searches who can provide that spark during the course of the match.
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a Ita s not about tactics (anymore). Ita s more of a fight on the pitch. When you look at the table, everybody can win against everybody. We must be ready to give everything.a
FC Goa coach Zico seemed pretty focused in the pre match press conference, as he looks to pull a gap between the Guars and the rest of the pack with a win over the Islanders, who have failed to win a single of their away fixtures.
a What happens in the past cannot be taken into account. We have to give our hundred percent everytime. We cannot be distracted because we are playing at home. There are no easy games in this league,a said Zico.
FC Goa, who have suffered a host of injuries especially to their forward line, will be missing their new signing Rafael Coelho due to injury, but luck seems to have finally turned around as the Guars welcome back three of their stars from the treatment table. Reinaldo Oliveira, Joffre Gonzalez and Victorino Fernandes will be eager to start playing but will needs to be carefully reintegrated, as Zico pushes for a spot in the semifinals.
a I am happy with the way the team is playing. I told everyone that all will get their chance and I am glad that all players are giving their best. We just dona t have a team, we have a squad. No team has had so many injuries but despite all that we are on the right track,a said Zico.