FC Goa vs Mumbai City FC – Three Key Battles to Watch out for

by Chittu Shetty November 25, 2020

One of the most anticipated clashes in the ISL 2020-21 season takes place tomorrow as FC Goa lock horns with Mumbai City FC at the Fatorda Stadium. We take a look at three key battles for the fans to watch out for on Wednesday.

The ISL League Winners Shield holders FC Goa have undergone an overhaul this season with the appointment of new Spanish coach Juan Ferrando. Ferrando has come aboard to continue the consistent performances of the Gaurs over the seasons. They have been one of the most attacking sides in the competition being the top-scorers last season with Spanish striker Ferran Corominas leading the frontline.

The Goan club faced a mass exodus in the off-season when Mumbai City FC signed their former manager Sergio Lobera. Along with Lobera, the Islanders also managed to snap up four of their key players through last season – Mourtada Fall, Hugo Boumous, Mandar Rao Desai and Ahmed Jahouh. The transfers from the shores of Goa to Mumbai provide good context for a spicy clash at the Fatorda.

We take a close look at three key battles that the fans will look forward to in the FC Goa vs Mumbai City FC clash.

1. Igor Angulo vs Mourtada Fall

FC Goa fans had high hopes from their striker Igor Angulo, who had huge boots to fill in as he replaced their all-time topscorer Coro. He came through on their expectations as he marshalled their comeback against Bengaluru FC after the Gaurs were down two goals. On Wednesday, he will be once again playing a key role for them in the attack as he comes up against the sturdy defence of the Islanders.

With Jahouh out due to the red card from last game, former FC Goa centre-back Mourtada Fall may start in the game against Gaurs. Igor Angulo’s biggest challenge might well turn out to be the mighty wall in the Mumbai defence.  With the ability to almost bully strikers’ courtesy his physical presence in the box, Angulo will have his task cut out to get the better of Fall.

2. James Donachie vs Adam Le Fondre

Two new signings for their respective sides and with a lot of experience backing them, James Donachie and Adam Le Fondre are crucial players for FC Goa and Mumbai City FC respectively. James ‘The Don’ Donachie has the responsibility of leading the backline for the Gaurs, which is an area of the game that has been a bit of a concern for the team over the seasons.

Mumbai City FC signed Adam Le Fondre to bolster their attack and add a genuine goal-poacher to their lineup. With his ability to play all around the box and be a constant menace for defenders, the battle between former A-League counterparts Le Fondre and Donachie will certainly be one to cherish for the fans.

3. The Midfield Battle

Mumbai City FC suffered a huge loss when their star midfielder and former FC Goa player Ahmed Jahouh was sent off for a reckless tackle in their season opener against NorthEast United FC. With Jahouh ruled out of the clash, the Islanders’ midfielders Rowlin Borges and Raynier Fernandes will be under pressure to contain the ever-attacking Gaurs in the middle of the park. Brandon Fernandes has displayed in the opening tie against Bengaluru FC that he can pretty much run the attack for the Gaurs.

Meanwhile, Edu Bedia has been an all-out warrior on the pitch with a no-holds barred attitude and also provides some goal threat. The skipper will also have to contain his former teammate Hugo Boumou, Gaurs MVP of last season. The battle between the midfield of the two sides promises to be enticing and could likely decide the result of this exciting fixture in the ISL. The fans can be assured that they are in for a thrilling encounter when the Gaurs take on the Islanders at their home ground Fatorda Stadium.

For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football

Also Read: Lobera returns to face familiar faces as Mumbai City FC take on FC Goa tomorrow

Also Read: Fan Voice – Gaurs laud Igor, Brandon in draw against Bengaluru FC

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