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

Odisha FC will be looking to get back to winning ways against the Gaurs.

Indian Super League (ISL) club Odisha FC are set to host high-flying FC Goa in what will be a must-watch fixture in matchweek 15. The fixture holds different stakes for both teams, with one team trying to solidify their top-six credentials while the other trying to keep pace with the top two spots.

With the fixture scheduled to kick-off on January 4, at 5:00 PM at the Kalinga Stadium in Odisha, the encounter is sure to be a closely fought affair.

The Stakes

Odisha FC

The Juggernauts have themselves also picked up their form in recent weeks and are on a six-game unbeaten streak as they hold the last of the top-six spots. Under coach Lobera, Odisha FC have shown glimpses of exciting football while showcasing their defensive stability. They have also uncovered their ruthless streak in attack scoring the third most goals in the league this season.

The onus will once again fall on their attackers to capitalize against an FC Goa who will prove to be a true test of their credentials. A win can establish the Juggernauts as dark horses in the ISL league shield race by defeating one of the top three teams in the league this season. While losing points could see them hamper all their hard work until now and fall out of the top-six spots depending on other results.

FC Goa

Manolo Marquez knows that his side needs to defeat the Juggernauts in order to climb their way closer to the top spot in the league standings. The Gaurs can not only reduce their deficit from league leaders Mohun Bagan but also show their ability to beat one of the in-form teams in the league.

Winning all three points will be a huge boost for the Gaurs title bid heading into the second half of the season. However, a loss can make it a difficult road for Marquez and his men’s dream of winning the ISL shield this season.

ALSO READ: What does Odisha FC need to do in January transfer window?

Team & Injury News

Odisha FC will be missing their star forward Roy Krishna who has also been ruled out for the season through injury. FC Goa will be missing striker Iker Guarrotxena due to a knee injury.

Head-to-Head Record

Matches Played – 14

Odisha FC wins – 0

FC Goa wins– 8

Draws – 6

Predicted Lineups

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

FC Goa (4-2-3-1)

Hritik Tiwari (GK), Boris Singh, Odei Onaindia, Sandesh Jhingan, Aakash Sangwan, Carl McHugh, Sahil Tavora, Udanta Singh, Ajay Chhetri, Dejan Dražić, Armando Sadiku

Players to Watch

Diego Mauricio (Odisha FC)

The Juggernauts will once again rely on calling Mauricio’s number in front of goal this season to supply the goals. Having made 13 appearances while scoring seven goals and supplying three assists, Mauricio is a real threat to any opposition. Ahead of the game against the Gaurs, coach Lobera will be looking at the Brazilian to spur his team this season.

The Odisha FC striker will have to be at his very best to burst through an FC Goa side, who have conceded the second-fewest goals in the league this season. With Odisha FC being unbeaten in their last six games, the 33-year-old will need to come up big once again this season.

Armando Sadiku (FC Goa)

A clash against Odisha FC will be exactly what the doctor ordered for Sadiku. Since his departure from Mohun Bagan last season, the Albanian has shown his quality with the Gaurs. The 33-year-old has been one of Goa’s most prolific players in this campaign, having scored eight goals and supplying 2 goals in 11 games.

A player with a dominating presence against defenders, his physicality in the frontline, as well as his ability to sneak past defenders, will come in handy for Marquez. If the Albanian is given the right kind of service and a sniff of a goal-scoring chance, he will be a terrifying player for the Juggernauts to handle at the Kalinga Stadium.

Did You Know?

• Odisha FC’s last home win against FC Goa came back in 2016.
• FC Goa haven’t lost in their last seven games in the ISL.
• When Odisha FC leads 1-0 in home games, they win 70 percent of their games.

Telecast Details

The Odisha FC vs FC Goa clash will take place on 4 January at the Kalinga Stadium, Odisha. The match will kick off at 5:00 PM IST.

It will be shown live on the Sports 18 network and be streamed live on Jio Cinema. International viewers can watch the action on the OneFootball app.

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