It’s a battle of the west coast as Goa travel to Mumbai for Match 17 of the Indian Soccer League. Both the teams are right next to each other in the table with almost the same points & it will be interesting to see who takes the cake tonight.
Jorge Costa’s men started the season in an impressive manner after getting a win & a respectable draw both away from home. And they were primed to begin the home campaign in a similar manner but Orissa had other ideas. But we know the Portuguese manager’s outfit has it in them to bounce right back but they face a largely efficient Goa in the way.
Similarly, Sergio Lobera’s team began the campaign in blistering fashion by dismantling Chennai in their season opener. But since then they have drawn against Bengaluru & Northeast. Although they are sitting pretty in the fourth spot, based on the standards they have set previously, we kind of expect more from the Gaurs.
Mumbai’s injury woes could not have come at a worse time. Mato Grgic, Modou Sougou & Rowlin Borges are expected to miss out. And these are crucial starters which Costa would have wanted at his disposal. For Goa, Seiminlen Doungel remains suspended after being sent off against the Northeast.
These two teams share a history as they faced each other four times last season. Twice in the group stages & then the two-legged semi-final. Goa came out on top on three occasions including the 5-1 thrashing in the first leg semi-final. Mumbai’s solitary win came in the second leg which was effectively a dead rubber. The overall head to head records in ISL history also tilts in the favor of Goans. But its football & you never know what surprise it can throw up.
Predicted Line-ups –
Mumbai: Amrinder Singh, Souvik Chakraborty, Sarthak Golui, Pratik Chaudhari, Subhasish Bose, Mohammed Rafique, Raynier Fernandes, Paulo Machado. Diego Carlos, Amine Chermiti, Mohamed Larbi.
FC Goa: Mohammad Nawas, Seriton Fernandes, Mourtada Fall, Carlos Pena, Mandar Rao Desai, Ahmed Jahouh, Lenny Rodrigues, Hugo Boumous, Jackichand Singh, Brandon Fernandes, Ferran Corominas.
SportsGuru Prediction –
Although Goa seems to have an edge over the hosts, Mumbai would like to bounce back after the thrashing against Orissa. There will be goals & so we are predicting a 2-2 draw for this one.
