FC Goa predicted lineup for ISL 2024-25

The Gaurs have a lot of high-quality talent in their squad.

FC Goa have a lot of ambition and their acquisition of Manolo Marquez last season indicated their intentions. While the Gaurs failed to win a trophy last term, their chances of silverware in the 2024-25 season are promising. With plenty of sensational players and Marquez at the helm, who has also been assigned the Indian football team job, the fans have high expectations from the club looking to win the league stage and/or the playoffs of the Indian Super League.

FC Goa’s activity in the transfer market was adventurous. Players like Laxmikant Kattimani, Aakash Sangwan, Sahil Tavora, and more have come in to bolster the team’s chances of winning the 2024-25 ISL. Their triumph in the 2024 Bandodkar Trophy gives the team motivation and rhythm going into the new league season too.

Foreign individuals such as Armando Sadiku, Dejan Drazic, Borja Herrera, etc. were also impressive in the tournament. Adding to that, Manolo Marquez’s experience in Indian football makes the Gaurs a dangerous side to face. While the wait for the new season shortens, here is how FCG could shape up for the 2024-25 ISL season:

FC Goa’s Lineup (Formation: 4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Laxmikant Kattimani

Laxmikant Kattimani has previously worked with Manolo Marquez at Hyderabad FC. The custodian achieved success with the tactician and their partnership could bring safety in goal which could form a strong base for the Gaurs.

Right Back: Seriton Fernandes

Seriton Fernandes had a wonderful season on the flanks for FC Goa last season. The full-back has a ton of experience in the ISL and his leadership qualities could prove to be vital for the side in the upcoming season.

Centre Back: Sandesh Jhingan

Sandesh Jhingan is one of the finest Indian defenders and should he maintain his fitness, will surely be one of the first names on the team sheet. Having said that, he could miss some matches in the initial weeks of the league while he recovers from a long-term injury. Nim Dorjee Tamang would be the ideal starter while Jhingan misses out due to injury.

Centre Back: Odei Onaindia

Odei Onaindia is one of the most experienced foreigners in the Indian Super League. His previous partnership with Manolo Marquez at Hyderabad FC was extremely successful, where the club was defensively solid and won the playoffs of the ISL 2021-22. He is an assured starter for the Gaurs in defence.

Left Back: Aakash Sangwan

Aakash Sangwan has a strong case to start in the left-back position. Although FC Goa have Jay Gupta for the role, Sangwan’s arrival brings experience and competition for the starting place on the left flank. It will be interesting to see how Marquez juggles between the equally brilliant players. 

Central Defensive Midfielder: Borja Herrera

Borja Herrera brings a lot of quality to the heart of the midfield. The former Hyderabad FC player is one of the individuals who has previously worked with Manolo Marquez and can excel in both a box-to-box role as well as a regista.

Central Defensive Midfielder: Rowlin Borges

Rowlin Borges is a brilliant acquisition for FC Goa. The midfielder joined the club from Mumbai City FC and has a lot of qualities that can help the Gaurs mount a challenge for the ISL title. The 32-year-old Goan brings experience to the side, having won the ISL Shield twice and the ISL Trophy once with the Islanders. 

Right Midfielder: Boris Singh

Boris Singh is an exciting player to watch. He mesmerises the crowd with his raw pace and unwavering spirit. He played 30 matches in all competitions for the Gaurs last season after signing for the club from Jamshedpur FC. He is likely to retain his starting place in the first eleven.

Central Attacking Midfielder: Mohammed Yasir

Mohammed Yasir brings a lot of versatility to the attack of FC Goa. His arrival from Hyderabad FC and reuniting with Manolo Marquez was seen as a smart move by the Gaurs’ management. While Iker Guarrotxena, who has re-signed for FC Goa, recovers from an injury, one can expect Yasir to slot into the No.10 role and impact the forward play.

Left Midfielder: Dejan Drazic

Dejan Drazic is an exciting newcomer to the Indian Super League. The attacking winger can hurt any opposition with his pace and directness. The 28-year-old from Serbia has played in multiple East European leagues and the La Liga plus UEFA Champions League Qualification, UEFA Europa League, and more.

Striker: Armando Sadiku

Armando Sadiku scored six goals in the Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy 2024, finishing the campaign as the top scorer. The former Mohun Bagan Super Giant forward won the Durand Cup and the ISL Shield before signing for the Gaurs. He brings a winning mentality and a lot of goals to the squad.

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