FC Goa vs Odisha FC lineups, team news, prediction and preview

FC Goa will be keen to do the league double over the Juggernauts.

The 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) enters the business end of the season as FC Goa welcomes Odisha FC at the Fatorda Stadium on Thursday. A game that has huge ISL playoffs ramifications, will be a huge test for Manolo Marquez and his men as they take on Sergio Lobera’s hungry Odisha FC side.

While the Gaurs have almost all but sealed their ISL playoffs qualification, a win over Lobera’s men will be a huge morale boost. The Juggernauts will need to be on their A-game as they will be desperate to record all three points to stay alive in the top-six playoff spot race.

The Stakes

FC Goa

FC Goa currently sit on 33 points in 18 ISL games this season and have scored in each of their league games irrespective of the result. Manolo Marquez’s side slipped to a surprise 3-1 loss against Jamshedpur FC in their last ISL outing. While his side was unbeaten in the last 11 games before that shock result, the Spaniard will be hoping his side bounces back with a strong performance against the Juggernauts.

Odisha FC

The Juggernauts have recorded 25 points in 18 games this season and sit three points behind the final top-six spot held by Mumbai City FC. Sergio Lobera’s men played out a spirited draw last time out against NorthEast United FC and earned themselves a valuable point. With performances improving with each passing game, Lobera will be keen to cause an upset of the match week with a win over Goa.

Injury Concerns and Team News

For FC Goa, Iker Guarrotxena is an injury concern ahead of the game against Odisha FC. On the other hand, the Juggernauts will be without star striker Roy Krishna, who has been ruled out for the season with a cruciate ligament injury.

Head-to-Head Record

Games Played: 22

FC Goa wins: 13

Odisha FC wins: 3

Draws: 6

Predicted Lineups

FC Goa (4-2-3-1)

Hrithik Tiwari (GK), Aakash Sangwan, Sandesh Jhingan (C), Odei Onaindia, Boris Singh, Borja Herrera, Sahil Tavora, Brison Fernandes, Mohammad Yasir, Iker Guarrotxena, Armando Sadiku

Odisha FC (4-2-3-1)

Amrinder Singh (GK), Amey Ranawade, Carlos Delgado, Thoiba Singh, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Ahmed Jahouh, Lalthathanga Khawlhring, Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Hugo Boumous, Isak Vanlalruetfela, Diego Mauricio

Players to Watch

Armando Sadiku (FC Goa)

FC Goa’s striker Armando Sadiku has so far been the brightest spark in their 2024-25 ISL campaign. While the Albanian played only for 20 minutes against Jamshedpur FC, the forward has been leading the line for his side this season.

The Gaurs’ striker has scored nine goals in 16 league games while also supplying his two assists. He will once again be the favourite to start and also provide the breakthrough against Odisha. Keeping Sadiku under check will be Lobera’s biggest concern and focus as they look to restrict his influence on the game.

Thoiba Singh (Odisha FC)

The 22-year-old made a significant impact in Odisha FC’s encounter against NorthEast United FC. After being deployed as a centre-back against the Highlanders, he nodded home a crucial goal in the 78th minute after a well-timed cross from Isak.

His midfield dynamism and ability to make late runs into the box added an extra dimension to Odisha’s attack. With versatile performances becoming a trademark of the player, Singh highlighted his growing influence in the team’s midfield setup and why he could be a future star in the league.

Did You Know?

• FC Goa lost their first game after an 11-game unbeaten run.
• Odisha FC’s last away win at FC Goa came back in 2016.
• FC Goa have scored one goal in each of their last 21 consecutive matches.
• When Odisha FC leads 0-1 away from home, they win 33 per cent of their matches.

Telecast

The match between FC Goa vs Odisha FC will be played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Thursday (6th January 2025). The game will kick off at 7:30 pm IST.

The match will be shown live on the Sports 18 network and Star Sports 3. It will also be streamed online on Jio Cinema while International viewers can also watch the game on One Football App.

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