FC Goa vs Gokulam Kerala FC preview, team news, lineup & prediction | Kalinga Super Cup 2025

The Gaurs will be looking for quarterfinal progression against the Malabarians.

Indian Super League club FC Goa will kick off their Kalinga Super Cup 2025 campaign in the round of 16 against Gokulam Kerala FC. The game set to take place on Monday at the Kalinga Stadium presents an exciting game between two units known for attacking football.

The Gaurs finished their ISL campaign with a shock last gasp goal from Bengaluru FC’s Sunil Chhetri to eliminate them from the ISL playoffs. While the Malabarians could have won the I-League title, they finished third in the standings after a disappointing final day loss in a high scoring game against Dempo SC.

The Stakes

FC Goa

FC Goa will definitely be the favorites while they take the field in their next match against Gokulam Kerala FC. They are gonna field a significantly stronger side with quality bench depth at the Kalinga Stadium, a ground which they have played in during the 2024-25 ISL campaign.

Unfortunately, even after some thrilling performances in the last season, Manolo Marquez’s team ended the ISL 2024-25 season after Sunil Chhetri’s heroics in the second leg of the ISL playoffs semifinals. In what could have been a Finals appearance, the Spaniard’s men were denied.

Interestingly, in the last five matches, FC Goa have lost only two matches, which states their current form and how lethal they will be when they face their opponent in their first game of the 2025 Kalinga Super Cup. 

Gokulam Kerala FC

The Malabarians will be the underdogs in this upcoming game and face a tough test against the Gaurs on Monday. They have won four of their last five games in all competitions and will be keen to continue this impressive winning run.

Unfortunately, even after some thrilling performances in the last season, the Malabarians ended the I-League 2024-25 season on a bitter note after a close 3-4 loss to Dempo SC. In what could have been a championship winning season, the Malabarians had to make do with a third place finish.

Interestingly, in the last five matches, Gokulam Kerala FC’s form suggests that they are the better team and highlights their danger as opponents against FC Goa in their first game of the 2025 Kalinga Super Cup. 

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Team and Injury News:

The Gaurs will have a fully-fit squad ahead of the Gokulam Kerala FC game.

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

Head-to-Head Record:

Total Matches– 1

FC Goa wins– 1

Gokulam Kerala FC wins– 0

Draws– 0

Predicted Lineups:

FC Goa (4-2-3-1)

Hritik Tiwari (GK), Boris Singh, Odei Onaindia, Sandesh Jhingan, Aakash Sangwan, Ayush Dev Chhetri, Sahil Tavora, Udanta Singh, Dejan Dražić, Brison Fernandes, Iker Guarrotxena

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

Players To Watch

Iker Guarrotxena (FC Goa)

The Spaniard will be a huge determining factor in how FC Goa performs in the round of 16 game against the Malabarians. The 32-year-old striker was exceptional up front for Marquez’s men scoring seven goals and creating three assists in 19 ISL regular season games.

While the Spaniard was well marshalled by Bengaluru FC in the ISL playoffs, he will be keen to lead the charge on Monday.

Thabiso Brown (Gokulam Kerala FC)

The Malabarians’ January signing from JX Lushan came on a free transfer and instantly made himself a fan favourite. Brown is currently on a seven game streak of making one goal contribution in each game he has worn the Gokulam Kerala FC shirt.In nine appearances this season, Brown has contributed with 11 goals and an assist.

He will once again be the man leading the line against FC Goa and a headache that the Gaurs’ defenders will have to neutralize.

Did You Know?

• FC Goa and Gokulam Kerala FC will be meeting for only the second time in head-to-head meetings.
• Gokulam Kerala FC finished in third in the I-League standings for the 2024-25 season.
• Iker Guarrotxena has 10 goal contributions in 19 ISL 2024-25 games.

Telecast Details:

The match between FC Goa and Gokulam Kerala FC will take place at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, on Monday, April 21, 2025. It will kick off at 4:30 PM IST. The match will be shown live on Star Sports 3 and be available to livestream on JioHotstar.

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