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

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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
I-league / Indian Super League / MDFA / Recommended
EXCLUSIVE: Mumbaikar Varun Mathur shares ongoing I-League experience in a bio-bubble
The 22-year-old midfielder from Mumbai is currently playing at Chennai City FC for a consecutive second year. Varun Mathur had his humble beginnings representing his school team and playing for…
World1 Sports partners with Playermaker to bring football’s leading technology to Indian clubs
World1 Sports is pleased to announce an official partnership with global sports technology giant, Playermaker. With this agreement, World1 Sports is now Playermaker’s partner in the Indian market and will…
THE ISL TRANSFER RADAR
Northeast United FC has announced Deshorn Brown as their new striker. The Highlanders announced the transfer news in the ongoing January transfer window. Deshorn Brown had scored 7 goals in…
Churchill Brothers, Mohammedan SC look to build on winning momentum
Table-toppers Churchill Brothers clash swords against third-placed Mohammedan SC tomorrow (January 14, 2021) at the Kalyani Municipal Stadium in Kolkata, West Bengal in the Hero I-League 2020-21. The match is…
FCG vs JFC – Three Key Battles to watch out for
As FC Goa prepare to lock horns with Jamshedpur FC, we take a look at three key battles from the clash against Jamshedpur FC that will have a big impact…
Football News / Indian Super League / Recommended
FC Goa announces program details for Club’s National Soccer Camps Online supported by RB Leipzig
FC Goa announces that the Club’s National Soccer Camps Online program, supported by RB Leipzig, will be made available in the shape of three packages. Designed for ages 6-18, participants…
Indian Arrows aim to trump Sudeva Delhi FC in an all-Indian clash
The All India Football Federation’s developmental side, the Indian Arrows will lock horns against Sudeva Delhi FC in an all-Indian clash on Thursday, January 14, 2021, at the Kalyani Municipal…
Fan Voice – Finally it felt like the FC Goa team we were used to watching
As FC Goa clinched a dominating win over Jamshedpur FC, fans were pleased with their side’s performance stating it felt like FC Goa of old. The Gaurs were clinical throughout…
FC Goa vs ATK Mohun Bagan – 3 Key Battles to watch out for
FC Goa are all set to take on ATK Mohun Bagan in the battle of the 2nd spot in the ISL standings. We take a look at three key battles that…
FC Goa Announces Developmental Team Squad For Goa Pro League
FC Goa would like to announce that the Club has registered a 26-man squad for the Developmental Team that will take part this year in the Goa Pro League. This…
IKF to dispense free international football exposure for children in India
India Khelo Football (IKF) is a non-profit platform aimed at providing kids from India a fair chance to pursue their dream of playing football internationally. IKF shares its vision to…
MDFA / Recommended / Trials
IDBI Bank to hold trials for a central defender
After successfully conducting their first round of trials on 21st November, MDFA Super Division outfit are now looking to conduct another trial in search of Central Defenders. With football resuming,…
Chedda Nagar FC set to conduct trials for MDFA Super Division
Chedda Nagar Football Fanatics will be conducting trials to reform their MDFA Super Division squad. Being established in 2011, Chedda Nagar is a renowned name in Mumbai football. The team…
IDBI Bank to host trials for MDFA Super Division
With football resuming, IDBI Bank will be conducting trials for the upcoming MDFA Season. The team will participate in the Super Division and will be seen conducting their first round…
MDFA / Recommended / Super Division / Trials
Madanpura FA, Sara FA to host trials for the upcoming MDFA season
Sara Football Academy and Madanpura FA to host trials for MDFA Super division & 2nd division and 3rd division respectively on the 19th and 21st of November simultaneously. Sara FA…
FC Hydra to hold trials for women footballers in Bengaluru
FC Hydra will be holding trials for women footballers for the upcoming BDFA A division Women’s league. The club is based out of Bengaluru. FC Hydra will be holding trials…
3rd Division / MDFA / Trials
NLWS FC to hold trials for MDFA 3rd division
NLWS FC is club based in Dadar who have registered themselves in the MDFA 3rd division for the 2020-21 season. The club will be holding trials for the same. Mauli…
Elite Division / MDFA / Trials
The Oranje FC to host trials for MDFA Elite Division
The Oranje FC will be hosting trials for the upcoming MDFA 2020-21 season this November. The club will be participating in the MDFA Elite division this season. Established in 2017,…
2nd Division / MDFA / Trials
Sporting Options FC to hold trials for MDFA 2nd Division
Sporting Options Football Club will be hosting trials for the upcoming 2020-21 football season. The team is currently playing in the MDFA 2nd division. Sporting Options FC was established in…
MDFA 1st Division side Madanpura Sports Club soon to host trials
With football gradually returning, Mumbai based Madanpura Sports Club are slated to conduct trials for the upcoming season. Madanpura Sports Club is the Junior team of Bombay Muslims SC, who…