Josep Gombau: FC Goa are one of the best teams in the league

This is a must-win game for Odisha with three teams fighting for the last playoff spot.

Odisha FC welcome FC Goa in an exciting top half clash between two of the most consistent teams of the sixth season of the Indian Super League. Josep Gombau and his men have made Kalinga Stadium their fortress and have enjoyed playing there. Meanwhile, FC Goa, with almost guaranteed qualification for the playoffs, would like to go to the top of the table with a win. Josep Gombau and young Indian defender Mohammad Sajid Dhot met the media at the pre-match press conference. [KH_ADWORDS type="4" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]

Coach's Corner

Injuries and suspensions have hit Odisha FC hard with five players now out for the game against FC Goa. This forced the club to sign Manuel Onwu on loan from Bengaluru FC. Apart from signing replacements for the ones who will miss the entire season, Odisha FC's tactician knows that he has a lot of players at his disposal to play in the positions of the injured players. He stated, "For this game, we are missing a total of five players of our squad. We are approaching the game well. We have a lot of players who are working very hard. I think they will do very well." Kalinga Stadium has been an 'important' place to play at for Odisha, as they have looked impressive while playing at home. The team, currently on a winning streak at home, want to continue winning and qualify for the playoffs. [KH_ADWORDS type="3" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS] Josep Gombau expressed, "Yes, of course, it is our aim to keep the winning streak going at the Kalinga Stadium. For us to play at home is very important. The last two away games we played, we lost. Which is why we are preparing this game very well. It is true that we are missing players, but we are a team. It is a team competition." "Now, for us, it is four games to go to finish the league. I think winning two games will give us lots of possibilities of finishing top four. This is our aim - try to win as many games as possible and be in the top four," he added. Josep Gombau was asked about the visiting side and the Odisha FC coach had nothing but praise for them. He acknowledged them as one of the best teams, but thinks that his are ready with their gameplan against them. “Goa is a top team. They are one of the best teams in the league. We know very well how they play. We have our own style, but also depending on the opponents, we do change a few things. We have practiced this week and I think the boys are ready.” Josep Gombau also went to explain the rationale behind signing Manuel Ownu on loan from Bengaluru FC. He talked about arguably their best player of the season, Aridane Santana, whom they will miss for the rest of the campaign due to an injury. He explained, "We lost Aridane for the season. He has been amazing for us - not just because of the goals he scores, but in terms of what he brings in the game with his football. It is a big miss for us to lose Aridane." "We were very sad to lose him. As a club, we need to replace the striker and the best thing we could do is bring someone who is already in the league." [KH_ADWORDS type="2" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS] Mohammad Sajid Dhot believes that there is no pressure on his team or him and that the team is ready to fight against FC Goa for the three points. The youngster, who is yet to start a game this season, thinks that his team has a gameplan and they would stick to it. There has been some criticism of Odisha's defence, despite having the league's joint third-highest clean-sheets this season. Losing Shubham Sarangi among others to injuries would only have added more pressure on the team. However, Dhot doesn't see any problems with his side's backline.  He claimed, "We don't think there's an issue with the defence. We are doing well and we need to continue." Odisha FC have impressed everyone and are one of the contenders to finish in the top four this season. But, according to the youngster, the team is not thinking about qualification yet and are only focused on the game against FC Goa. "We are not thinking of qualification yet, our focus is on the three points of the next game." [KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News | ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

Team News

Aridane Santana, Marcos Tebar, Carlos Delgado and Nandhakumar are all injured. The club have signed Manuel Onwu on loan from Bengaluru FC for the rest of the campaign, as a replacement for Santana. Shubham Sarangi is suspended.

Head-to-Head

The only game played between the two sides was earlier in the season at Fatorda Stadium, where Ferran Corominas' brace and a Brandon Fernandes' goal handed the home side a 3-0 victory.

Probable XI

Dorronsoro, Dhot, Bora, Gharami, Das, Guedes, Diagne, Jerry, Xisco, Lalklimpuia, Onwu.

Broadcast

The match will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network from 7:30 PM IST on Wednesday. You may also opt for Hotstar and Jio TV to watch the live stream of the game.