The Islanders are back in action just five days after a memorable 1-0 over table-toppers Bengaluru FC. In town, posing a challenge, are Sergio Lobera’s FC Goa, with the highly anticipated clash kicking off tomorrow at the Mumbai Football Arena at 7.30pm
Currently, on a 9-game unbeaten run, the Islanders have dramatically turned their fortunes around after a rather slow start to the campaign. In fact, the last time Jorge Costa’s men failed to pick up any points in a game, it was in a 5-0 drubbing at the hands of FC Goa earlier this season.
The Islanders have since picked up 23 points from a possible 27 and sit in the second spot in the Hero ISL standings. The high-flying FC Goa side, who are the top scorers in the league so far with 27 goals, are hot in the race for a playoff berth with 21 points from 12 games and in fourth place.
The trio of Edu Bedia, Hugo Boumous and Hero ISL’s joint all-time top goalscorer Coro have given a good account of their lethal attacking prowess so far – a challenge Jorge Costa’s side will be relishing, being one of the meanest backlines in the league keeping a league-high 7 clean sheets this season.
With three more points up for grabs, Jorge Costa has rubbished all claims of a reaction being on the minds of the Islanders tomorrow. But maybe, just maybe, it is a reaction that we’ve been witnessing all along since that disappointing night at the Fatorda.
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 broadcaster HERE. You can also follow live action on our official Twitter account - @MumbaiCityFC.
Team News:
For the Islanders, head coach Jorge Costa has revealed that the side is facing one injury and has mentioned that ‘it will be known only tomorrow’.
New January transfer window signing Zaid Krouch featured in the final 20 minutes of FC Goa’s previous game and is expected to play a part in tomorrow’s clash.
Who said what:
Jorge Costa: FC Goa are a team that likes to keep the ball a lot and have good players. We hope to give a good answer tomorrow.
Modou Sougou: We are not thinking of the previous result against FC Goa. We’ve been doing well since and we’re focused on getting the result tomorrow.
Amrinder Singh: Tomorrow is another opportunity for us to play in front of our fans. They’ve carried us through on many occassions. I hope they do the same tomorrow too.
League Watch
Results:
30 Jan: Bengaluru FC 2-1 NorthEast United FC (Komorski OG 14’, Chencho 72’ Gallego 60’)
31 Jan: Delhi Dynamos FC 2-0 Kerala Blasters FC (Zuiverloon 29’, Mihelic P 90’)
Fixtures coming up:
2 Feb: Chennaiyin FC vs FC Pune City (Jawharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai, 7.30pm)
3 Feb: ATK vs Jamshedpur FC (VYBK, Kolkata, 7.30pm)
