The Indian Super League is back, albeit in a bio-secure bubble for a second season running in Goa. As we continue to fight the global pandemic, we first take a moment to express our gratitude towards the frontline heroes in India and across the world.

 

After achieving an unprecedented and a historic double last season, winning the ISL League Winners’ Shield and the ISL Trophy, the Islanders begin their title defence in the 2021/22 Indian Super League tomorrow in what promises to be an exciting outing against FC Goa.

 

With eleven new faces in the squad and a new head coach at the helm, 36-year-old Des Buckingham will lead a new-look Mumbai City into the 2021/22 season after a six-week pre-season camp here in Goa. The Islanders remained unbeaten in three pre-season friendlies leading up to tomorrow’s season opener against Juan Ferrando’s FC Goa.

 

FC Goa come into the new season of the ISL with a largely unchanged squad and off the back of a successful Durand Cup campaign. The de-facto home side, who are also one of the favourites going into the new season, are currently on a 13-game unbeaten run in the ISL having last played in the ISL against the Islanders in the 20/21 semifinals.

 

A strong start to the Islanders’ title defence is on the wishlist for Des Buckingham and his boys and as every game against the Gaurs has proven to be, tomorrow’s season opener promises to be an exhilarating affair in all certainty.

 

Team news:

 

Head coach Des Buckingham has announced a clean bill of health for the Islanders, with all 27 players available for selection against FC Goa.

 

Who said what:

 

Des Buckingham: "We've watched a lot of footage, not just of FC Goa but of all the teams. But our focus remains on us. We've spent 80% of our time working on our style of play, but we are also ready for what we can expect from FC Goa."

 

Mourtada Fall: "It's an important game, just like every game. Tomorrow is the start of a new season. We have to start strong. We take every team seriously, in the same way. We have to ready ourselves with the same mentality for every game."

 

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 follow all the action LIVE on our official Twitter account - @MumbaiCityFC.

 

League watch:

 

19 Nov: ATK Mohun Bagan 4-2 Kerala Blasters (Boumous 3’, 29’, Krishna 27’ P, Liston 50’; Sahal 24’, Pereyra Diaz 69’)

20 Nov: Bengaluru FC 4-2 NorthEast United (Cleiton 14’, Masher 23’ OG, Jayesh 42’, Ibara 81’; Brown 17’, Coureur 25’)

 

Fixtures coming up:

 

21 Nov: SC East Bengal vs Jamshedpur FC (Tilak Maidan; 7.30pm)

22 Nov: Mumbai City vs FC Goa (Fatorda Stadium; 7.30pm)