How could FC Goa line up vs Al-Zawraa in AFC Champions League Two?

The Gaurs are yet to win a match in the AFC Champions League 2.

FC Goa will aim to get their first point in the group stage of the 2025-26 AFC Champions League Two when they travel to Iraq to face Al-Zawraa in their next game on Wednesday, November 26, 2025.

The Gaurs are still on zero points in the group, having lost all four matches, but aim to pull up a surprise against the Iraqi side.

Manolo Marquez will need to shape his side to be defensively strong to keep the Iraqi giants quiet, but will also need to balance his shape properly to ensure they can at least take the fight to Al-Zawraa.

Next stop in the AFC Champions League 2, Iraq 🇮🇶🦬 pic.twitter.com/pwk6Kv6Y3d

— FC Goa (@FCGoaOfficial) November 21, 2025

Even though FC Goa can’t go beyond the AFC Champions League Two group stages anymore, they are at least looking to salvage a respectable result and get some points to their name.

That is why Marquez will look to field his strongest possible lineup to ensure FC Goa can have a fighting chance of grabbing points and making themselves proud. On that note, let’s take a look at how FC Goa can line up against Al-Zawraa.

Goalkeeper: Hritik Tiwari

Hritik Tiwari has yet to keep a clean sheet in the 2025-26 AFC Champions League Two, but he remains the trusted custodian for Marquez. The 23-year-old goalkeeper has done a decent job at making sharp saves and making himself look relatively well in the continental matches so far, but he needs more consistency with his shot-stopping.

Tiwari will look to be composed but reactive in his goal, making crucial stops and being smart with cross collection to frustrate the opponents.

Right-Back: Boris Singh

Boris Singh has showcased positive energy with his performances in the ACL Two so far this campaign, trying his best against some challenging opponents. Boris was pretty good in the Gaurs’ loss to Al-Zawraa at home, making some crucial clearances and neutralizing their threat down the left.

He will need to be defensively stronger to stop the Iraqi side from creating big chances through his side, while Singh also needs to be smart with his overlapping runs to bolster FC Goa’s attacking threat.

Centre-Back: Sandesh Jhingan

Sandesh Jhingan remains the most experienced Indian defender in the FC Goa squad and someone who’s quite accustomed to tough away games at the international stage. Jhingan did a pretty decent job in the recent matches against Al-Nassr, especially at the Fatorad Stadium.

He will need to amp up his performance levels for the game against Al-Zawraa. Jhingan needs to read the moves perfectly and be in the right places to make clearances and frustrate the hosts into dropping points against the Gaurs.

Centre-Back: Pol Moreno

Pol Moreno will aim to raise his performance levels against Al-Zawraa to help his side grind out a clean sheet. The 31-year-old, however, needs to maintain more concentration inside the box to sniff out danger and clear them out to stop the hosts from dominating his side.

Moreno will also need to be smart with his distribution to help with the build-up play and ensure that Goa can create some pressure on the opposition half.

Left-Back: Akash Sangwan

Akash Sangwan seems to have made that left-back spot his own at FC Goa under Manolo Marquez, mostly because he’s pretty reliable defensively. Despite having a few shaky moments in the ACL Two campaign, Sangwan has worked hard to help his side keep a reasonably solid shape.

However, he will now aim to produce a sturdier performance against Al-Zawraa. Sangwan needs to be proactive in his movement to prevent crosses from coming in and also try to run forward to use his crossing ability to create chances.

Centre-Midfield: David Timor

After missing the last game due to suspension, David Timor should be involved in the Al-Zawraa match. The Spaniard is likely to be slotted into a defensive midfield role, where he slots between the centre-backs to help keep a sturdier defensive shape. Timor will need to be quick with his decision-making, especially in regaining possession in key areas, and also look to pass the ball forward quickly.

Centre-Midfield: Borja Herrera

Borja Herrera remains a major creative force in the FC Goa side in these ACL Two clashes because of his smart delivery from key positions. Herrera will look to create chances with his smart set-piece delivery to enhance FC Goa’s chances of grabbing a positive result.

He will also need to work hard in the midfield to cover the gaps and win duels, regaining possession and driving his side forward quickly.

Attacking-Midfield: Iker Guarrotxena

Iker Guarrotxena can improve FC Goa’s ability to score goals and take the fight to Al-Zawraa, but he needs to be at his efficient best in his best position. The 32-year-old thrives in the attacking midfield role, which gives him freedom to dictate things in the opposition half.

Iker needs to be smart with his final third passes to create big chances, and also needs to time his runs perfectly to get to the end of chances as well.

Right-Wing: Brison Fernandes

Brison Fernandes has been one of the bright aspects of FC Goa’s ACL Two campaign so far, producing some really eye-catching performances. He was impressive against Al-Nassr, scoring against them at the Fatorda Stadium.

Brison deserves more exposure to showcase his potential, and he will look to take the fight to Al-Zawraa. The winger will look to make his fearless forward runs to torment the defenders, but needs to be smarter with his final third passes and finishing to help his side get a big result.

Left-Wing: Dejan Drazic

Dejan Drazic has been one of the best players for FC Goa in their continental campaign so far, providing an assist in their four matches. The Serbian winger’s driving forward runs, clever movement, and ability to threaten defenders help him stand out, and he must be at his most efficient in the next game.

Drazic will look to get into good positions in the final third and be sharper with his final passes and shots on target to give FC Goa a surprise result.

Centre-Forward: Javier Siverio

Javier Siverio has yet to really make a positive impact for FC Goa in the AFC Champions League Two, but he has the chance to win over supporters with a promising performance in the next game. Siverio has to be more unpredictable with his off-the-ball movement to trouble their defenders and also improve his link-up play.

The Spaniard needs to be ruthless in finishing off whatever he gets to help FC Goa stun Al-Zawraa and get a positive result.

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