FC Goa needs a victory to move closer to cementing their position for the playoffs as they welcome unbeaten leaders Mumbai City FC at Fatorda.
The Gaurs drew 1-1 with playoff chasers Odisha FC while the winning run of the Islanders came to a halt against second-placed Hyderabad FC with the same result.
FCG vs MCFC Match Details
Date: Saturday, 11 February 2023
Time: 17:30 (IST)
Venue: Fatorda Stadium, Goa
FCG vs MCFC Match Preview
FC Goa lost the chance to open up a six points gap with seventh-placed Odisha FC by drawing 1-1 against them in the previous match. The Gaurs maintained their four-game unbeaten run in the league although they still searching for their first away since October 2022. The record is more promising at Fatorda with the team carrying the third-best record at home after losing only twice this season. They have also conceded only nine goals at this venue and have the joint-best scoring record too with 19 strikes. FC Goa will be counting on the excellent home form to cause trouble to the so-far unbeatable visitors, Mumbai City FC. Carlos Pena’s side are now eyeing to finish their leftover task from the last match in overtaking ATK Mohun Bagan FC for the fourth spot on the table. With Chennaiyin FC and then an important clash against fellow playoff contenders Bengaluru FC to look forward to after this game, Goa have to think of ways to halt the league leaders again to escape a major slip-off from the top six with other results not falling in their way.
Mumbai City FC would have liked to go nine points clear at the top and move closer to securing the Winners Shield but Hyderabad FC managed to end their 11-game winning run with a 1-1 draw last weekend. The Islanders last dropped points in the league in Mumbai Football Arena itself, a 2-2 thriller with ATK Mohun Bagan in November last year. Des Buckingham’s side still carries a healthy six points lead at the top and face two playoff opposition in FC Goa and Bengaluru FC before ending the league phase against East Bengal. Having qualified for the knockouts in March, the sole aim for them will be to win the Shield for the second time in three years. Their destiny will write itself but Buckingham will not want his team to lose concentration in their chase for invincibility as well. Mumbai City FC have only won twice at Fatorda but their unimaginable away record this season will be enough to help them return to winning ways. That is also aided by the fact that midfield lynchpin Ahmed Jahouh and creator Greg Stewart will be back in the starting eleven.
Recent Form
FCG: DWWDL
MCFC: DWWWW
FCG vs MCFC Team News
Edu Bedia will return for FC Goa in this pivotal clash after serving his one-match suspension due to the accumulation of yellow cards. Hernan Santana debuted against Odisha FC from the bench and he will continue in that duty following the return of the club’s captain.
Meanwhile, Mumbai City FC will also undergo changes in the starting eleven with Ahmed Jahouh now back for selection. The Moroccan was only a spectator in the last game against Hyderabad FC after crossing the limits of yellow cards. His restoration means Rostyn Griffiths will move back to the defense and Alberto Noguera drops out despite performing well last weekend.
FCG vs MCFC Predicted Lineups
FCG: Dheeraj Singh; Aibanbha Dohling, Fares Arnaout, Anwar Ali, Sanson Perreira; Lenny Rodrigues, Edu Bedia; Brandon Fernandes, Iker Guarrotxena, Noah Sadaoui, Alvaro Vazquez
MCFC: Phurba Lachenpa; Sanjeev Stalin, Rostyn Griffiths, Mehtab Singh, Vignesh Dalshinamurthy; Apuia, Ahmed Jahouh, Greg Stewart; Lallianzuala Chhangte, Jorge Pereyra Diaz, Bipin Singh
FCG vs MCFC Dream11 Team Prediction
GK: Lachenpa (7.5)
DEF: Mehtab (8), Anwar (8.5), Griffiths (8.5)
MID: Chhangte (8.5), Jahouh (9), Guarrotxena (8.5), Bedia (9), Bipin (9)
FW: Stewart (9), Sadaoui (9)
Vice-captain: Greg Stewart or Noah Sadaoui
Captain: Lallianzuala Chhangte
Stay tuned to Fantasy Football for upcoming matches.
