Preview: Odisha, FC Goa aim to cement playoff spot

It is a bottom-of-the-top-six clash.

Odisha FC will host FC Goa in a clash that can hugely impact the top-six race. The teams will meet on February 6, Monday, at the Kalinga Stadium. Both teams are currently among the top six with FC Goa in fifth and Odisha in sixth. They will like to cement their playoff spot, with Bengaluru FC hot on their heels.

Odisha FC saw a hard-earned draw against Chennaiyin in their last outing. It was a 2-2 scoreline in Chennai, which saw Diego Mauricio and Isak Vanlalruatfela get their names on the scoresheet.

FC Goa's last outing was against East Bengal. The Gaurs dominated the game at home and won 4-2. The side was 4-0 up at one time before East Bengal returned two.

In light of these, let us take a look at what the fascinating encounter has to offer.

The Stakes

Odisha FC

Odisha are currently in sixth place with one more point than Bengaluru (before the Blues' game on Sunday evening). Hence, they need to win if they would like to keep everything within their own gambit. Any slip at this moment will give Bengaluru an opportunity to overtake them and push them out of the coveted top-six zone. Playing at home, Odisha FC have no option but to win the game. Fans can expect the side to go all-out for three points right from the word go.

Odisha FC are currently placed in the sixth position on the points table with 23 points from 16 games. A win on Monday will take the side to 26 and match their tally with FC Goa.

FC Goa

The stakes are quite the same for FC Goa as well. In order to keep things within their control, FC Goa need to win on Monday. A defeat will make their place among the top six vulnerable. Thus, to stay above the base comfortably, the Gaurs shall be looking for three points.

FC Goa are currently fifth on the points table with 26 points from 16 games. A win on Monday will take their tally to 29 and elevate them to the third spot above ATK Mohun Bagan (if they lose or draw against Bengaluru on Sunday) and Kerala Blasters.

Injury & Team News

Odisha FC reportedly, have no injury concerns as of now. Their new signing Princeton Rebello will be available for this fixture.

FC Goa will get the services of Hernan Santana from this game itself. However, Fares Arnaout has a minor niggle. Though the Syrian trained with the squad on Friday, the coach will take a decision on him if he has recovered completely.

Head-to-Head

Odisha FC and FC Goa have played seven games against each other in ISL.

Odisha FC – 0

FC Goa – 5

Draw – 2

Predicted Line-ups

Odisha FC (4-3-3)

Amrinder Singh (GK); Narender Gahlot, Osama Malik, Carlos Delgado, Sahil Panwar; Isaac Vanmalsawma, Saul Crespo, Thoiba Singh; Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Diego Mauricio, Nandhakumar Sekar

FC Goa (4-2-3-1)

Dheeraj Singh (GK); Aiban Dohling, Hernan Santana, Anwar Ali, Sanson Pereira; Ayush Chhetri, Edu Bedia; Devendra Murgaonkar, Brandon Fernandes, Noah Sadaoui; Iker Guarrotxena

Player to Watch

Diego Mauricio (Odisha FC)

The most in-form player for Odisha FC is Diego Mauricio. He is in good touch and is making regular impacts on games. In their draw against Chennaiyin, Mauricio scored a brilliant goal. He has already scored nine times in 16 appearances. He is the primary goal-getter for the Juggernauts. Thus, if given space, he can run havoc in FC Goa's defence.

Iker Guarrotxena (FC Goa)

Guarrotxena scored a hat-trick in their last game against East Bengal. Consequently, he is one of the joint top-scorers in the league with 10 goals from 16 games. With Alvaro Vazquez not at his best, he will be the side's primary target man or a false 9, to be precise.

Did You Know?

• Odisha FC have never defeated FC Goa in ISL.
• In the reverse fixture, FC Goa beat Odisha FC 3-0 at home. Nandhakumar Sekar saw a red card in that game.
• Iker Guarrotxena is the joint top-scorer in ISL 2022-23 with 10 goals.

Telecast

The match between Odisha FC and FC Goa will take place at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, on February 6 (Monday). The kick-off time is 7:30 PM IST. The game will be telecasted live on the Star Sports Network. Disney+HotStar and JioTV will also stream the match.