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

The Blues will be keen to take a first-leg lead against the high-flying Gaurs at home.

Indian Super League (ISL) club Bengaluru FC will be kicking off their semi-finals campaign against the second-placed FC Goa at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru on Wednesday. The game will be a battle of two teams who have had contrasting fortunes in winning ISL silverware in the past, setting up a fascinating encounter.

The regular season witnessed the Gaurs come out on top and play out a draw against the Blues in their two head-to-head games. However, the upcoming fixture could prove to be a fascinating contest between two sides preparing themselves to push each other all the way to the ISL final.

The Stakes

Bengaluru FC

Under Gerard Zaragoza, Bengaluru FC finished third in the ISL standings following the end of the regular season. With four wins from their last six games, the Blues’ campaign was relatively successful with their latest 5-0 win emphasizing their maturity from a horrific 2023-24 ISL season. Their recent win at home over Mumbai City FC showcased a team, who appears ready for the upcoming challenge against Manolo Marquez and his FC Goa squad.

Having already secured victories in challenging venues this season like Kochi, Kolkata, and Shillong, Bengaluru will hope they can summon the support of the West Block Blues against Goa. A win will be essential for the Blues as they look to take a lead ahead of the second leg against the Gaurs at the Fatorda Stadium.

FC Goa

The Gaurs under Manolo Marquez managed a second-place finish in the league stages of the ISL. While they have failed to finish over the Mariners, they will be keen to move to the ISL finals this season. Manolo Marquez will be hoping that his men can once again replicate the same form against the Blues.

Marquez will need his FC Goa players to be at their sturdiest defensively to keep Bengaluru at bay, and also be innovative in terms of breaking the game for their attackers. FC Goa’s players can receive a huge boost in self belief with another win over the Blues away from home, but a loss can also derail their momentum ahead of the crucial second leg game.

ALSO READ: ISL 2024-25: Semifinals fixtures and venues for knockouts decided

Team & Injury News

The Blues are expected to have a fully fit and available side for the upcoming game.

The Gaurs might be missing out on striker Iker Guarrotxena who picked up a knee injury recently. He will be a game-time decision for the visitors.

Head-to-Head Record

Total Matches – 19

Bengaluru FC wins – 7

FC Goa wins – 6

Draws – 6

Predicted Lineups

Bengaluru FC (4-3-3)

Gurpreet Sandhu (GK); Namgyal Bhutia, Rahul Bheke, Chinglensana, Roshan Singh; Alberto Noguera, Pedro Capo, Suresh Wangjam; Ryan Williams, Edgar Mendez, Sunil Chhetri

FC Goa (4-2-3-1)

Hritik Tiwari (GK), Seriton Fernandes, Odei Onaindia, Sandesh Jhingan, Aakash Sangwan, Ajay Chhetri, Carl McHugh, Boris Singh, Iker Guarrotxena, Dejan Dražić, Armando Sadiku

Players to Watch

Ryan Williams (Bengaluru FC)

Williams proved to be a breath of fresh air for the Bengaluru FC attacking line in the league phase. The 31-year-old has came up as a clutch player for them in many key games this season, helping them get games over the line with his vital contributions. Williams had 10 goal contributions (six goals, four assists) in 18 games in the league phase. He is quite a versatile attacking asset, but has excelled in that right-wing role for Bengaluru FC.

Williams is blessed with his decent pace and the IQ to get past defenders with his smart movement in the opposition area. He replicated his form against Mumbai City FC, as he scored a goal while also putting in another grueling shift for Gerard Zaragoza. He will be a crucial player for the Blues against the Gaurs.

Iker Guarrotxena (FC Goa)

The 32-year-old Spaniard has been one of FC Goa’s best players this season, playing a key role in helping them strongly compete for the title. Guarrotxena can play a key role in helping FC Goa take the fight to the Blues, as he’ll hope to be proactive in the midfield areas to recover possession and help them move the ball forward swiftly.

But the Spaniard will be depended upon to bring that spark to FC Goa’s attacking moves, especially with his final delivery. He’ll look to destabilize Bengaluru backline with his clever passes to help his teammates. However, Iker will be particularly determined to break through into the empty areas to get at the end of scoring chances and get more goals to his name.

Did You Know?

• Bengaluru FC are unbeaten in their last six home games against FC Goa.
• FC Goa are unbeaten in each of their last four games against Bengaluru FC.
• Gerard Zaragoza can become just the third manager in competition history to win each of his first two playoff games.
• FC Goa have lost each of their last two playoff games in the Indian Super League (both against Mumbai City FC).

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