ISL 2023-24: FC Goa aim to build momentum against Odisha FC

FC Goa will be meeting their former boss Sergio Lobera, who is now the head coach of Odisha FC!

FC Goa and Odisha FC are gearing up for an exciting clash in the 2023-24 Indian Super League season. The Gaurs, coming off a victory in their opening match against Punjab FC, will aim to maintain their winning form. Meanwhile, Odisha FC seek to recover from a challenging start to the season, where they faced a 4-0 defeat against Mohun Bagan in the AFC Cup, but showed improvement with a 2-0 win against Chennaiyin and a 2-2 draw against Mumbai City in the league.

Both teams are determined to make their mark in the league, promising an engaging contest that could impact their ISL 2023-24 campaigns significantly.

Stakes

FC Goa

FC Goa enter the match with a strong desire to build on their victorious start in ISL 2023-24. After securing a win against Punjab FC in their opening fixture, they will be looking to continue their winning momentum. Playing on their home turf further bolsters their advantage. Anything less than three points will be considered a disappointment, given their aspirations and the positive signs from their initial performance.

Odisha FC

Odisha FC head into this match with the aim of maintaining their upward trajectory in this ISL season. While Sergio Lobera's side faced a tough start with a 4-0 defeat to Mohun Bagan (AFC Cup), they quickly recovered with a 2-0 victory against Chennaiyin and a 2-2 draw against Mumbai City.

Building on these performances, they hope to secure a positive result in this encounter. Odisha FC, despite the challenging beginning, are determined to make strides in the league and will be eager to take at least a point from this match against FC Goa.

Injury & Team News

Both FC Goa and Odisha FC are fortunate to have a full roster to choose from, with no injury concerns heading into the match. This bodes well for both sides as they seek to make a strong start to the season.

Head-to-head

Total Matches Played – 20

FC Goa wins– 12

Odisha FC– 3

Draws – 5

Predicted Line-ups

FC Goa: 4-2-3-1

Dheeraj Singh (GK), Seriton Fernandes, Odei Onaindia, Sandesh Jhingan, Saviour Gama, Raynier Fernandes, Carl McHugh, Brandon Fernandes, Udanta Singh, Noah Sadaoui, Carlos Martinez

Odisha FC: 4-2-3-1

Amrinder Singh (GK), Amey Ranawde, Mourtada Fall, Carlos Delgado, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Ahmed Jahouh, Lenny Rodrigues, Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Puitea, Isak Vanlalruatfela, Diego Maurício

Players to Watch

Carlos Martinez (FC Goa)

Carlos Martinez, the towering striker who made a remarkable ISL debut by scoring in the last match, is set to pose a significant threat to the Odisha FC defence. His height and goal-scoring prowess make him a player to watch out for in this upcoming clash. Odisha FC need to be vigilant in defending against his aerial presence and attacking instincts to avoid conceding goals.

Jerry Mawihmingthanga (Odisha FC)

Keep an eye on Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Odisha FC's dynamic winger who has found the net in his last two ISL outings. With his speed and scoring form, he poses a significant threat. FC Goa must focus on containing his impact to secure a favourable result.

Did You Know?

• FC Goa finished below Odisha FC last season. 
• Diego Mauricio, the Brazilian forward for Odisha FC, won the Golden Boot last term.
• FC Goa will join Mohun Bagan and Kerala Blasters as the only sides to have a perfect start if they win their match against Odisha FC.
• Odisha FC boss Sergio Lobera was brought to India by FC Goa.

Telecast

The kick-off for the FC Goa vs Odisha FC game is at 5:30 PM IST. The match will be played at the PJN Stadium, Fatorda, Goa. The live broadcast and live streaming of the game will be available on the Sports18 Network (Sports18 1 Channel/VH1 Channel) and JioCinema app, respectively. Viewers from abroad can tune into OneFootball for the exclusive streaming.