Mumbai City FC welcome FC Goa to the Mumbai Football Arena for their first home fixture of Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 on Saturday. The visitors will head into the contest with confidence after a hard-fought victory over Chennaiyin FC in their opening fixture. The hosts, on the other hand, are yet to register their first point and goal of the campaign having succumbed to a 2-0 setback against league debutants, Bengaluru FC in their season opener.

Head to Head

Mumbai City FC 1 - 2 FC Goa. 3 draws 

KEY PLAYERS

Abinash Ruidas (Mumbai City FC)

The youngster from Kolkata was a valuable asset for ATK last season with his lung-bursting runs down the flanks. His final ball has improved with the passage of time, making him a threat for the opposition as he demonstrated in flashes during Mumbai’s last outing. Goa will have to keep him quiet and not allow him any space to whip crosses into the box.

Manuel Lanzarote (FC Goa)

The winger has taken to the Hero ISL with ease. He was a thorn in the side of Chennaiyin FC’s defence in Goa’s previous match with his quick acceleration and trickery on the flanks. Lanzarote also produced a deft finish to score his side’s second against Chennai and the Spaniard will be looking to carry the same form into the match against Mumbai. 

POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUP

Mumbai City FC

Alexandre Guimaraes is likely to stick to his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, giving plenty of leeway and edge to the attack.

Goalkeeper: Amrinder Singh

Defenders: Raju Gaikwad, Lucian Goian, Gerson Vieira, Aiborlang Khongjee

Midfielders: Leo Costa, Sehnaj Singh, Abinash Ruidas, Everton Santos, Achille Emana,

Forwards: Balwant Singh

Mumbai coach, Alexandre Guimaraes on his team’s overall attitude: “Every team has their struggles in the beginning but from tomorrow, we are more complete in our squad compared to the first game and of course, we go for the win.” 

FC Goa

Sergio Lobera will most probably continue with his 3-4-3 formation after a stunning away win against Chennai in their previous match.

Goalkeeper: Laxmikant Kattimani

Defenders: Sergio Juste, Chinglensana Singh, Mohamed Ali

Midfielders: Narayan Das, Bruno Pinheiro, Pronay Halder, Manuel Arana

Forwards: Mandar Rao Dessai, Ferran Corominas, Manuel Lanzarote

FC Goa coach, Sergio Lobera on his team’s mindset ahead of the encounter: “When a team wants to perform, they have to stick to their own idea and methodology. Tomorrow when we come to play, we are going to stick with the same idea and philosophy which we have been working on for the past three months.” 

KEY STATS

• Three of the six encounters between these two sides have ended goalless
• In Hero ISL 2015, the Gaurs beat Mumbai 7-0 – the heaviest defeat in league history
• Last season, Goa was one of only three teams to have beaten Mumbai in the league phase 

LAST MEETING

FC Goa 0 – 0 Mumbai City FC (16^th November 2016 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa)