Churchill Brothers are scheduled to kick off their Indian Super League 2026/27 campaign, facing off against Mumbai City at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa. This match marks the ISL debut for The Red Machines.
This game will mark Manolo Marquez’s first game as head coach of Mumbai City. It will be the Spaniard’s third club stint in India, after the now-defunct Hyderabad FC, and FC Goa.
Churchill Brothers
Churchill Brothers come into the fixture having not played a competitive match since their last 2024/25 I-League game against Real Kashmir. Following which, the club was embroiled in a legal case against Inter Kashi relating to a points deduction given, then revoked, for the latter. The verdict went in favour of Inter Kashi, and the Goan side refused to play the 2025/26 season in the newly-renamed IFL.
After their season of inactivity, the club moved to acquire Jamshedpur FC’s licence following their shutdown. This secured their place in the 2026/27 ISL. In preparation, the Goan club moved quickly to revamp their squad. They re-signed foreign players like midfielder Sebastian Gutierrez and forward Wayde Lekay, both of whom left following the 2024/25 season, as well as signed new players. Former head coach Dimitris Dimitriou was also brought back to the club.
Mumbai City
Unlike for Churchill Brothers, Mumbai City come into the season off the back of a solid previous season, defying expectations as they were in the title race until the final day. While a title did not materialise and the side finished third, it was still seen as a success.
Mumbai City are coming into the fixture with a new-look squad as well, having let go of their entire foreign contingent as well as key domestic players. Most notably, the club allowed captain Lallianzuala Chhangte to depart to Mohun Bagan. However, the club made nine signings to replace the outgoings. This included five new foreign players, and four domestic signings. The club have also announced full-back Akash Mishra as the club’s new captain.
Team news
Both teams appear to be coming into the fixture with full strength squads at their disposal.
Head-to-head
Churchill Brothers have only taken on Mumbai City once before, in a group stage fixture of the 2023 Super Cup. Mumbai won that game 2-1, after goals from Mehtab Singh and a last-minute Lallianzuala Chhangte penalty.
Predicted lineups
Churchill Brothers:
Anuj Kumar (GK), Provat Lakra, Alexandre Yeoule, Gaurav Bora, Lalremruata, Dramane Salou, Richard Costa, Sebastian Gutierrez, Vincy Barretto, Anil Gaonkar, Wayde Lekay
Mumbai City:
TP Rehenesh (GK), Valpuia, Carlos Delgado, Bijay Chhetri, Akash Mishra, Sergio Llamas, Lalnuntluanga Bawitlung (Tluanga), Vikram Partap Singh, Leandro Otormin, PN Noufal, Wilmar Jordan Gil
Key battles:
Wayde Lekay vs Carlos Delgado
This could be either Wayde Lekay or John Okoli, purely dependent on Dimitris Dimitriou’s selection on the day. However, Churchill will hope to mark their entry into the ISL. For that push, their focal point on the day will be their outlet.
Wayde Lekay’s strength lies in his attacking movement and prowess in the air. Paired with his experience at Churchill Brothers in the past, he is likely to be the one chosen for the fixture.
Carlos Delgado’s strength though, lies in his experience and reading of the game. To get the better of him, Lekay would have to exploit Delgado’s lack of pace and beat the Spaniard on mobility rather than in shoulder-to-shoulder duels.
Sebastian Gutierrez vs Lalnuntluanga Bawitlung (Tluanga)
Gutierrez is set to be The Red Machines’ chief creator. Standing at just under 5’4, the Colombian is able to use his diminutive frame to get out of tight scenarios. He is able to pair his agility with sharp ball control and dribbling, and can help link the deeper midfielders and defence to the attacking line.
Tluanga’s main job for Mumbai is going to be sitting alongside Llamas, and attempting to stifle opposition midfields. Here, Gutierrez is going to be the chief threat for him to keep in check. What Tluanga excels at, though, is tracking runners and making tackles in the middle of the park. It will likely be on him to keep Gutierrez from taking control of the game.
Provat Lakra vs PN Noufal
PN Noufal was one of, if not the standout forward for Mumbai City last season. His pace and directness from the left wing made him a crucial asset for Petr Kratky, especially on the counter-attack. Now, under Manolo Marquez, he will be a big part of Mumbai’s wide play. With an offensive-minded full-back like Akash Mishra behind him, the duo will complement each other both in defence and attack.
Provat Lakra, if chosen to start, will be the one most affected by Noufal’s presence. The full-back will need to ensure he does not get caught out if he goes forward, but also be defensively ready to contend with Mishra and Noufal charging forward. Lakra will have a large task ahead of him, but his skill in 1v1 duels and discipline in making tackles will be crucial for him in this duel.
When and where to watch the match?
The match between Churchill Brothers and Mumbai City FC will be played on 11th October, 2026, at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM IST.
The game will be broadcasted live on the Sony Sports Network, and live streamed on YouTube for free.
Follow Footy India on Instagram and X for more updates on Indian Football.
