How can FC Goa line up against Istiklol in ACL 2 encounter?

The Gaurs will take on Tajikistan’s Istiklol on October 1 in their second ACL 2 fixture.

As FC Goa embark on a testing Tajikistan tour, the Gaur army would expect their team to return with a favourable result in the AFC Champions League 2 fixture. The defending Super Cup champions could not open their account on the points table in the first match against Al Zawraa.

The defeat at home would fuel the Gaurs’ ambition to go for all three points when they face Istiklol. Being in a group full of heavyweights warrants Goa to fight for the best possible result each time they take the field to stay in contention for knockout spots.

New country, same mission: Carry the tricolour with pride 🇮🇳💪🏻Let’s do this Gaurs 🧡 pic.twitter.com/7rZOXYbFS1

— FC Goa (@FCGoaOfficial) October 1, 2025

Injury woes

FC Goa will miss the presence of one of the biggest names on their roster in the next game. Iker Guarrotxena will not be available for the Gaurs against FC Istiklol. Manolo Marquez will expect his men to step up and fill the void that ensues the ouster of Guarrotxena. It will be interesting to see who replaces Guarrotxena in the starting lineup.

FC Goa Predicted lineup vs FC Istiklol (Formation: 4-3-3)

Hrithik Tiwari (GK)

Hrithik Tiwari will keep his place as the custodian. Despite Goa conceding two goals against Al Zawraa, the 23-year-old had a decent outing. The fans will want Tiwari to replicate his heroics against Al Seeb in the ACL 2 preliminary round.

Boris Singh (RB)

One of the biggest positives for the Gaurs from the loss against Al Zawraa was Boris Singh’s performance. The dynamic right back created havoc on the right flank. He combined well with Udanta Singh to give FC Goa’s attack width on the pitch.

Sandesh Jhingan (CB)

Sandesh Jhingan will be back for FC Goa after remaining unavailable in the game against Al Zawraa due to a cheekbone fracture. The experienced centre-back will have to play with a face mask as a precautionary measure. His return will bolster the Gaurs’ defense, which lacked the composure in critical moments against Al Zawraa.

Also Read: FC Goa vs Istiklol Preview, lineups, players to watch & telecast details

Pol Moreno (CB)

Pol Moreno has made two appearances for FC Goa so far, against Al Seeb and Al Zawraa, and has registered notable performances. In the absence of Sandesh, he formed a pair with Nim Dorjee Tamang. The pairing held Al Zawraa to a 1-0 score line till the last minute, but their frailties were exposed in critical moments. He will have a chance to establish his credentials against Istiklol.

Aakash Sangwan (LB)

Aakash Sangwan will start in the left-back position for FC Goa in Tajikistan. Sangwan has done enough in the playoff round and the first group stage game to keep his place intact. Manolo is expected to continue with Sangwan and put faith in his skills.

David Timor (DM)

The new signing in the midfield, David Timor, will slot into the double pivot of FC Goa. The 35-year-old had a good outing against Al Zawraa. He will have an important role in the midfield for Goa against a formidable opposition playing at their home ground.

Ayush Chhetri (DM)

Iker Guarrotxena’s unavailability might cause a tweak in the personnel for the Gaurs. Ayush Chhetri, who came on from the bench against Al Zawraa and looked impressive, can slot in with David Timor in the double pivot. It will be a huge responsibility for the Indian U23 star to guard the midfield in an important away ACL 2 fixture.

Udanta Singh (RW)

Udanta Singh was one of the best players on the pitch for the Gaurs in the opening game against Al Zawraa. His presence on the right wing was an Achilles heel for the Iraqi opposition. Udanta’s combination with Boris Singh helped Goa use the width of the pitch in a threatening fashion.

Borja Herrera (AM)

Another change in position that might be the result of Guarrotxena’s injury. Borja Herrera made an impact against Al Zawraa in the attacking midfield. The Spanish created multiple goal-scoring chances only for them to be neutralized by the opposition defense. Manolo Marquez will expect a similar return from Herrera against Istiklol.

Dejan Drazic (LW)

Against Al Seeb and Al Zawraa, one common thing was Dejan Drazic’s individual performance. On the left wing, he made some darting runs that tested Al Zawraa’s defence. Drazic would be expected to register his name on the scoresheet against Istiklol, being one of the most important figures in Goa’s attack.

Javier Siverio (CF)

Javier Siverio justified his presence with a crucial goal against Al Seeb in the ACL 2 preliminary round. His goal proved to be decisive; however, there was no such contribution from him in the game against Al Zawraa. The fans would expect their target man to step up against the Tajik opposition.

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