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

FC Goa would confirm their spot in ACL 2 group stage if they go past the preliminary round fixture.

FC Goa will undertake the biggest assignment of the new season as they clash against Al Seeb in the preliminary round of the AFC Champions League Two.

The Gaurs will take on the Omani club at their home, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Fatorda) on August 13. Goa will kick off this match with an edge as they play in front of their home crowd.

MATCH DAY!! ⚔️⚔️FC Goa take on Omani side Al Seeb at the Fatorda in an all-important playoff for a spot in the AFC Champions League 2!Watch the match globally for free, exclusively on Khel Now TV! 📺📺📺#IndianFootball #ACL2 pic.twitter.com/hbOREkU3Z1

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) August 13, 2025

FC Goa have been preparing for this fixture for some time, with players undergoing rigorous training under coach Manolo Marquez. The club has been involved in substantial business this summer. The former ISL champions recently made five signings, including overseas players.

Expanding the Spanish contingent, Goa signed David Timor, Pol Moreno from La Liga, whereas Javier Siverio joined the team from Jamshedpur FC. These new faces have bolstered the team as it prepares to compete with the best in Asia.

Also Read: Khel Now to exclusively telecast FC Goa’s ACL2 Playoff clash against Al Seeb

Tricky job for Manolo Marquez

The master tactician Manolo Marquez will have the tricky job of integrating some new faces into his starting lineup in the first competitive fixture of the new season. The new signings are expected to feature in the ACL 2 preliminary round without much game time under their belt. FC Goa have signed players in multiple departments, bringing reinforcements in multiple aspects of their game. In this article, we will examine how the Gaurs will set up against Al Seeb later today.

Probable XI for FC Goa vs Al Seeb

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Hrithik Tiwari (GK)

With 7 cleansheets in the previous ISL season, the young Hrithik Tiwari has taken over the custodian position, becoming the main man for the Gaurs between the sticks. This season will be crucial for him as the pressure and expectations will be more on him, and the fans will expect him to withstand the relentless attacks by the potent Al Seeb attack.

Boris Singh (RB)

One of the biggest positives for FC Goa for the last two seasons has been the consistency of Boris Singh. The dynamic right back has moulded himself into the FC Goa setup amazingly. Manolo Marquez has relied on him to take up space on the right side of the defence and against Al Seeb he is again expected to put faith on Boris.

Pol Moreno (CB)

Here comes one of the highlights of FC Goa’s hefty business in the summer. The Barcelona-born Pol Moreno will be featuring for the first time in FC Goa colours in the game against Al Seeb. Coming from La Liga 2, he is no stranger to the big stage, and the Gaurs would want him to take over the defensive reins right from the first game.

Sandesh Jhingan (CB)

The heart of FC Goa’s defence, Sandesh Jhingan, will be the most crucial player for FC Goa in this contest. Against a lethal Al Seeb attack, it will be Jhingan’s responsibility to stand tall and guard his team from any casualties. FC Goa will depend heavily on Sandesh’s partnership with Pol Moreno in the backline as defensive solidity will decide the course of this game for the Gaurs.

Aakash Sangwan (LB)

After an impressive first season with FC Goa, left back Aakash Sangwan will be determined to start his second season with the Gaurs on a high. He will be tasked with a challenging job of containing the attacking prowess of Al Seeb on the wings.

David Timor (DM)

The new signing in the midfield, David Timor, will slot into the double pivot of FC Goa. The 35-year-old comes with a massive experience of playing at this highest stage. With more than 100 appearances in La Liga, he seems to be a wonderful addition. It will be interesting to see how he fares on his debut.

Borja Herrera (DM)

The versatile Spaniard is expected to partner with his fellow countryman, David Timor, in the midfield. Borja Herrera is a crucial cog in the tactical wheel for FC Goa. Manolo Marquez’ setup counts on the brilliance of Herrera.

Mohammed Yasir (RM)

With 5 goal contributions last season, Yasir leaped his career trajectory. He has been playing under Marquez for quite some time, starting at Hyderabad FC. The 27-year-old right winger has the potential to take on the Al Seeb defenders with his bristling pace and tricks up his sleeves.

Iker Guarrotxena (AM)

Iker Guarrotxena shuffled between centre-forward and No. 10 roles last season. The FC Goa star played a massive role in their victorious campaign in the Kalinga Super Cup with four goals to his name. Against Al Seeb, Guarrotxena is likely to take up the No. 10 role. With his rollicking form, Al Seeb will have things to worry about if he is on song.

Brison Fernandes (LM)

The breakout star for FC Goa last season was their homegrown talent, Brison Fernandes. Scoring an astonishing 7 goals in the 2024/25 ISL season, Brison made it clear that he was ready for the big stage. His creativity led FC Goa to emerge as one of the deadliest attacking units last season. This will be Brison’s first-ever appearance on the Asian stage.

Javier Siverio (CF)

Switching his allegiance from Jasmhedpur to Goa, Javier Siverio signed for FC Goa last month. The Spanish striker had a decent outing last season. But that would not be enough this season if he wants to make a mark. Coming in as an experienced overseas signing, Siverio would have to show his striking prowess against Al Seeb as FC Goa would have to score a few to make it to the ACL 2 group stage.

The AFC Champions League Two playoff between FC Goa and Al Seeb will be streamed exclusively on the official Khel Now YouTube Channel – Khel Now TV. The match is set to kick off at 7:30 pm on August 13th, 2025.

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