Preview: Bengaluru FC take on FC Goa in high-stake encounter

(Courtesy : ISL Media)
The Gaurs' slim playoffs hopes will be decided a day before this game at the Kanteerava.
Bengaluru FC will be aiming to continue their winning run of seven games in the Indian Super League (ISL 2022-23). The resurgent Blues have made it to the playoffs for the first time in three seasons, and the confidence levels are high in the camp. FC Goa will rely on Jamshedpur FC to get a result against Odisha, as the Juggernauts need just one point to become the sixth and final team to qualify. Goa are without a win in their previous three games, and form has eluded them at the most crucial of periods.
Here is the detailed preview of the Bengaluru FC vs FC Goa game:
The Stakes
Bengaluru FC
This game could be a chance for BFC to test their bench strength, if Odisha manage to qualify ahead of FC Goa. Sandesh Jhingan and Javi Hernandez are on three yellows each, and Simon Grayson will take care not to miss such key players ahead of the playoffs. Another big objective for BFC is finishing in the top-four and hosting the eliminator. They are currently fourth, level on points with third-placed ATK Mohun Bagan and fifth-placed Kerala Blasters.
FC Goa
The Gaurs will be praying for Odisha to lose to an in-form Jamshedpur FC at the Kalinga Stadium, and then will need to bag full points to usurp Odisha and qualify as the sixth-placed team. It is also an opportunity for Carlos Pena to show that he has all the right ingredients at his disposal to carry the FC Goa project forward.
Injury & Team News
The Blues will be without Alan Costa, who has flown back home on a family matter. The rest of the squad are fit, Roy Krishna and Parag are back from suspension. FC Goa have a fully fit squad.
Head to Head
Bengaluru FC and FC Goa have faced each other 11 times in the Indian Super League.
Bengaluru FC - 6
FC Goa - 3
Drawn - 3
Predicted Line-ups
Bengaluru FC (5-3-2)
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK), Prabir Das, Aleksandar Jovanovic, Parag Shrivas, Bruno Ramires, Naorem Roshan Singh; Rohit Kumar, Suresh Wangjam, Pablo Perez; Roy Krishna, Sunil Chhetri
FC Goa (4-2-3-1)
Dheeraj Singh (GK); Seriton Fernandes, Fares Arnaout, Anwar Ali, Sanson Pereira; Edu Bedia, Ayush Chhetri; Devendra Murgaonkar, Brandon Fernandes, Noah Sadaoui; Iker Guarrotxena
Player to Watch
Pablo Perez (Bengaluru FC)

Despite making just one full start this season, Pablo Perez has come off the bench on nine separate occasions and has looked a threat. He is a good progressor of the ball and picks up dangerous areas to affect the play. He has one goal already and has rattled the bar on a couple of occasions with some acrobatic volleys.
Grayson might shield Javi, who is a booking away from suspension. This could give Pablo Perez the chance to shine in attacking midfield and give his manager another selection headache.
Noah Sadaoui (FC Goa)

While Iker Guarrotxena has racked up the goals, Noah Sadaoui has been unstoppable all campaign and has terrorized defenders down the left flank with his pace and trickery. The Moroccan has nine goals and eight assists from 19 games, and has the ability to cross accurately both from deep and the byline.
Did You Know?
- FC Goa were the first team to lift the ISL League Winners' Shield.
- Bengaluru FC have won all major trophies in Indian football.
- Noah Sadaoui was in FC Goa's radar for the past few years but ultimately signed ahead of this season.
Telecast
The match between Bengaluru FC and FC Goa will be played at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Thursday (23nd February). Kick-off is at 7:30 PM IST. The match will be live-streamed on Disney+ Hotstar and JioTV. Moreover, it will also be telecasted on the Star Sports Network.
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