Murphy’s Law states that if there’s anything that can go wrong, it will. A first- half injury, a red card, a conceded penalty and an opening day defeat – Edward Murphy’s words from 1949 seemed to be the undertone on Saturday.
After a 1-0 loss against NorthEast United, Mumbai City ready themselves for a mammoth clash against the de facto hosts of the tournament, FC Goa. The Islanders will face the 2019/20 League Shield winners tomorrow at the Fatorda Stadium.
Tomorrow’s encounter marks a reunion for a few Islanders with head coach Sergio Lobera taking charge against a club he was at the helm for the best part of three seasons before being relieved of his duties by FC Goa towards the end of last season. With him from Goa, he brought along five players to the Mumbai City set up in the form of Mandar Rao Dessai, Hugo Boumous, Ahmed Jahouh, Mourtada Fall and Amey Ranawade.
FC Goa, now under the tutelage of Spaniard Juan Ferrando, have had a bit of an overhaul of their own with heavy recruitment on the pitch including five new foreigners out of the six in their squad. The Gaurs recorded a 2-2 draw against Bengaluru FC in their season opener over the weekend, coming back from two goals down.
There are plenty of points to be proven tomorrow. There is plenty at stake. But all this only makes for good reading. The only thing on the mind of Sergio Lobera and his team is to register Mumbai City’s first win of the season, irrespective of the occasion or in this case, the occasion.
Team News
Ahmed Jahouh will miss a reunion with his former club after seeing red in our opening fixture against NorthEast United and picking up a one game ban. Sourav Das, however, completes his sanction and will be available for selection.
Who Said What
Sergio Lobera: Obviously I will need to change some things tomorrow because I don't have the same players available. But tomorrow will be a different game, a different situation. And we want to improve our game and our mistakes from the last time.
Hugo Boumous: Of course, Ahmed Jahouh will be missed tomorrow. But we have a very competitive squad and there are players who can replace him.
Where To Watch It
The game will kick off at 7.30pm IST and will be broadcast on the Star Sports Network, Hotstar and Jio TV for all viewers in India. For our global fans, you can find your local broadcaster here or follow all the action LIVE on our official Twitter account - @MumbaiCityFC.
League Watch
Results:
22 Nov: FC Goa 2-2 Bengaluru FC (Angulo 66’, 69’; Cleiton 28’, Juanan 57’)
23 Nov: Odisha FC 0-1 Hyderabad FC (Aridane 35’ P)
Fixtures coming up:
24 Nov: Jamshedpur FC vs Chennaiyin FC (Tilak Maidan, 7.30pm)
25 Nov: FC Goa vs Mumbai City (Fatorda Stadium; 7.30pm)
26 Nov: Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United (GMC Bambolim; 7.30pm)
