Stifled with a suspension crisis, third-placed Mohun Bagan Super Giant welcome table-toppers FC Goa for a colossal battle at the Salt Lake Stadium.
Mohun Bagan vs FC Goa Match Details
Date: Saturday, 23 December 2023
Time: 20:00 (IST)
Venue: Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata
Mohun Bagan vs FC Goa Match Preview
It was a night to forget for Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Mumbai Football Arena as they lost more in the game than the 2-1 defeat on the score-line to Mumbai City. Their seven-game unbeaten run in the ISL this season ended, with their winless streak over the Islanders in the ISL ongoing, but getting three players sent off in a single match hurt the Mariners the most. Not only in the game but also in the upcoming fixtures against the top two before the break for the Asian Cup. While referee Rahul Gupta ditched the same amount of red cards for the home side as well, the game was not entirely decided by his extraordinary officiating calls. Mohun Bagan had themselves to blame as well losing the match from a 1-0 lead scored by Jason Cummings and a player up. Now, the Green and Maroons have to bounce back with a depleted squad facing another unbeaten team in league leaders FC Goa. Despite only losing once to the Gaurs and the match being at Salt Lake where they have not lost in ISL since February, the formidability of Manolo Marquez’s team will be a sign of worry. Another loss could be costly in their race to win the Shield.
Also involved in a tight battle with Shield holders Mumbai City, FC Goa could only manage a scoreless draw which was their second no-scoring affair of the season. Although the concerns of not having an effective number nine remain, the table-toppers will be happy with the immense quality of their defence that kept their sixth clean sheet of the season and five in a row. Their solidity if maintained properly could get them over the line of a second League Shield win but FC Goa will keep their feet grounded to enter the Asian Cup break on top of the chart. The point dropped in the last match was not much of a help as it leveled them with second-place Kerala Blasters and third-place Mohun Bagan who missed the opportunity to go top with their first loss of the season. FC Goa face the Mariners next at Salt Lake where they lost the Durand Cup semi-final tie 2-1 back in August although will face a far more weakened opposition this time. The chance for the Gaurs to also return to winning ways and extend their lead to three points.
MBSG vs FCG Recent Form (ISL)
MBSG: LWDWW
FCG: DWWWD
Mohun Bagan vs FC Goa Team News
Mohun Bagan fears their suspension crisis has come at a time in which they will face the most crucial period in the first half of the season. The red card of right-back Asish Rai creates a dilemma in player selection for the position. Juan Ferrando might opt for Manvir Singh in that unorthodox role which will be a risk anyway facing Noah Sadaoui on the flank. Liston Colaco’s verbal spat with the referee earned him the same colour with Kiyan Nassiri being his straight swap while Deepak Tangri could slot into defence to replace Hector Yuste, who also faced the same faith in a scuffle post-match. The one positive news for the Mariners is that Sahal Samad will be available after missing out the last two games with an injury.
FC Goa are without Rowllin Borges who will be available in the final match before the Asian Cup break against NorthEast United. However, the Gaurs can call back Brandon Fernandes from injury and he could slot in the starting eleven. Sadaoui will want to wear his shooting boots again having scored in this fixture last time. However, the main storyline is with midfielder Carl McHugh who is making a homecoming after leaving Mohun Bagan this summer and the transfer the Kolkata giants will be ruing now.
Mohun Bagan vs FC Goa Predicted Lineups
Mohun Bagan SuperGiants:
Vishal Kaith; Manvir Singh, Brendan Hamill, Deepak Tangri, Subhasish Bose; Hugo Boumous, Anirudh Thapa, Sahal Samad; Kiyan Nassiri, Jason Cummings, Dimitri Petratos
FC Goa:
Arshdeep Singh; Seriton Fernandes, Odei Onaindia, Sandesh Jhingan, Jay Gupta; Carl McHugh, Raynier Fernandes; Udanta Singh, Victor Rodriguez, Brandon Fernandes; Noah Sadaoui
Mohun Bagan vs FC Goa Head to Head (all competitions)
Played - 8
MBSG won - 5
Drawn - 1
FCG won - 2
Mohun Bagan vs FC Goa Head-to-Head (ISL)
Played - 6
MBSG won - 4
Drawn - 1
FCG won - 1
Mohun Bagan vs FC Goa Dream11 Team Prediction
Injuries and suspension have hit Mohun Bagan Super Giant so it is likely FC Goa will snatch a victory at the Salt Lake and keep their momentum going.
Mohun Bagan vs FC Goa Dream11 Fantasy Suggestions
Captain Pick: Victor Rodriguez
Vice-captain Picks: Noah Sadaoui, Jason Cummings
Others: Jay Gupta, Sahal Samad
Our top pick for the MBSG vs FCG Dream11 team is Victor Rodriguez who has five goal contributions in eight games for FC Goa in ISL this season (2 goals, 3 assists).
MBSG vs FCG Dream11 Team Suggestion
GK: A Singh (7.5)
DEF: Bose (8.5), Jhingan (8.5), Gupta (9)
MID: Cummings (8.5), Boumous (8), Sahal (8.5), Sadaoui (9)
FW: Manvir (9), V Rodriguez (9), Petratos (8.5)
Captain: Victor Rodriguez
Vice-captain: Noah Sadaoui
Stay tuned to Fantasy Football for upcoming ISL matches.
