Gokulam Kerala FC vs Dempo SC lineups, team news, prediction & preview

The Malabarians will be looking to end their I-League campaign with a flourish against the Goan club.

I-League title contenders Gokulam Kerala FC will be playing possibly their biggest game of the season against Dempo SC on Sunday. The game set to be played at the EMS Stadium is of prime importance for the club as a win could potentially see them clinch the title, depending on other results.

The Malabarians have been on a roll towards the end of the season and face a struggling Dempo side, who can potentially finish mid-table depending on other results. It will be a game of significance if Churchill Brothers SC fail to win against Real Kashmir FC in match week 22.

It all comes down to the final match day! Three epic clashes, four title contenders! Who will be I-League 2024-25 champions? #IndianFootball #ILeague #ILeagueTitleRace pic.twitter.com/SMWKgBVx9R

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) April 5, 2025

The Stakes

Gokulam Kerala FC

The Malabarians have been on fire towards the end of the season, winning four of their last five league games. While they faced relatively weaker opposition in those games, Gokulam are picking up steam at the best possible time.

A win for Renjith TA’s men is essential if they are to stand any chance of lifting the league title. However, a loss for Gokulam would virtually end their title bid and will narrow down the battle to the result of the game between Churchill Brothers SC and Real Kashmir FC.

Dempo SC

The Goan club have had a tough campaign since their promotion to the I-League from I-League 2 last season. The club has lost nine out of a possible 21 games this season, and have failed to keep a clean sheet since the early February game against Inter Kashi.

Dempo will be looking to salvage some pride from a perilous season and a win over Gokulam will be the perfect end to a challenging game. A loss, however, could see the club finish ninth in the league standings.

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Team and Injury News

The Malabarians will have a fully fit squad against the Goans.

The Goan club will also have all their players ready for selection against Gokulam Kerala FC.

Head-to-Head Record

Total Matches: 1

Gokulam Kerala FC wins: 1

Dempo SC wins: 0

Draws: 0

Predicted Lineups

Gokulam Kerala FC (4-4-2)

Rakshit Dagar (GK); Nidhin Krishna, Athul Unnikrishnan, Mashoor Shereef, Laishram Johnson Singh; VP Suhair, K Abhijith, Sergio Llamas, Ignacio Abeledo; Martin Cháves, Thabiso Brown

Dempo SC (4-4-2)

Sangramjit Roy Chowdhury (GK); Pruthvesh Pednekar, Mohamed Ali, Shaher Shaheen, Saiesh Bagkar; Kapil Hoble, Didier Brossou, Ariston Costa, Seigoumang Doungel; Marcus Joseph, Lukman Abegunrin

Players To Watch

Thabiso Brown (Gokulam Kerala FC)

The January signing from JX Lushan came on a free transfer and instantly made himself a fan favourite. Brown is currently on a six game streak of making one goal contribution in each game he has worn the Gokulam Kerala FC shirt.

In eight appearances this season, Brown has contributed with eight goals and an assist. He will once again be the man leading the line against Dempo SC and a headache that the Goan club’s defenders will have to neutralize.

Marcus Joseph (Dempo SC)

In eight I-League appearances this season, Joseph has scored 10 goals while providing two assists to his teammates. The January arrival from AC Port of Spain will be a player that Gokulam will have to keep quiet, if they aspire to win the league title.

Did You Know?

• Gokulam Kerala FC has won the only encounter between the two sides.
• Dempo SC lost four out of their 10 I-League games away from home this season.
• Gokulam Kerala FC have won more games away from home (7) than games at home (4).

Telecast Details

The game between Gokulam Kerala FC vs Dempo SC will be played at the EMS Stadium on April 6, 2025 at 4:00 PM IST.

Fans can watch all the action from the game live on the SSEN app and website.

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