Impressive Gaurs Take on Wounded Mumbai City FC

PANJIM:
FC Goa came away with three points after an impressive win against Chennaiyin FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai in their opening fixture of the fourth season of the Hero Indian Super League. Despite a stutter in the second half, the Gaurs looked the better side in Chennai. They will be looking to continue the momentum they gained when they face off against a wounded Mumbai City FC who went down to an impressive Bengaluru FC in Bengaluru. The match will be played at the Mumbai Football Arena in Mumbai where the Gaurs got their first three points of a difficult season last year.
Skipper Laxmikant Kattimani will be looking to make amends for his error that gave some hope to the Marina Machans. In front of him, the defensive pairing of Bruno Pinheiro and Ali Mohammad are likely to continue along with full backs Seriton Fernandes and Narayan Das. Chinglensana Singh and Sergio Juste are also options to occupy the central defensive positions. Ahmed Jahouh is a towering presence in Goa’s midfield and his on the ball ability was a vital part of the Gaurs’ game plan in their first match. He will slot into the central midfield position along with Spaniard Edu Bedia who also impressed. Indian international, Pronay Halder is also an option to start the game from the centre of the park.
Manuel Lanzarote was awarded the man of the match for his superlative display against Chennaiyin FC. He is one of the pillars of this FC Goa side and he will slot into the attacking midfield position and will be flanked by Goan wingers Mandar Rao Dessai who scored the third goal in the last game and youngster Brandon Fernandes who also put in an excellent display. Anthony D’Souza, Manuel Arana and Liston Colaco are likely options from the bench. Striker Ferran ‘Coro’ Corominas however, looked in imperious form against Chennai and he will most likely get the nod to start up front. Manvir Singh is another option from the bench.
The encounter promises to be a mouthwatering one, as Mumbai will look to get off the bottom of the table with their first win in front of their home fans while FC Goa will want to continue their superb form and return to Goa with two wins on the road ahead of a difficult clash against Bengaluru FC.