The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 doubleheader on Saturday, 19th October, 2024 features a very closely contested match with FC Goa up against Mumbai City FC at the Fatorda Stadium at 5:00 pm IST. The cause for excitement is more because of the rivalry that exists between the two teams, as one dominated other periods of the league. Until the 2019-20 campaign, Mumbai City FC had always been on the back foot against FC Goa. That now seems to have turned in favor of the latter as Sergio Lobera has joined their side. During the league stage of the previous season, both teams did manage to share the spoils with each other, but in the two-legged affair in the semi-final, Mumbai City FC had come out triumphant.
New Chapter In ISL 2024 Post The International Break
Today, Mumbai City FC seek the first win of the season, drawing two and losing one in the first three played matches. It is an away match for them as they are 11th on the table. FC Goa comes into this match having picked five points from four matches. It shall be a return to action for both teams as they come from international break.
FC Goa Headaches in Home Games
FC Goa must work on duels per game as they average the least in the league at 77.5 per match. Their last three matches played at home haven’t been great too as they couldn’t register a victory at Fatorda. The Gaurs will look to avoid a repeat of the longer winless streak back in 2018 when they lost their last four home games consecutively. For head coach Manolo Marquez, some thing or stage must change through this game as FC Goa faces a strong Mumbai City FC.
Mumbai City FC Rolls Against FC Goa
Mumbai City FC has been on the better side of things against Goa in recent seasons, failing to lose any of their last 12 encounters, winning seven, drawing five. That includes semi-final triumphs in the 2020-21 and 2023-24 seasons. The Islanders have several strengths, including wearing down their opponents with wave after wave of attacking movements. They average passes in the final third have been a formidable 70 per game. They need to improve in their front-line activities going forward, as clearly stated during their nil-nil draw against Bengaluru FC in their previous match.
Head-To-Head
In head to head battles, Mumbai City FC has utterly dominated the table with FC Goa with 12 victories out of 26 games played against FC Goa. FC Goa has won seven, and seven matches each end in draws.
Players To Watch Out For
Lallianzuala Chhangte has been productive against FC Goa in the past, with five goals and two assists against them. His tally of nine goals against the Gaurs is the highest by any player in ISL history. FC Goa’s Armando Sadiku will spearhead the attack with his six shot attempts per game, the highest in the league this season. On the other hand, Mumbai’s Tiri has been indispensible on defense with his four headed clearances per game, a number that is equalled by just a few players in the ISL 2024-25 season.
Who will Reign?
This is going to be an important game for both teams as they seek to redeem their seasons. Having Mumbai City FC look to continue their unbeaten run, it remains to be seen if the team will take this into the match, or FC Goa finally making a break into showing their full form on the field.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye
