Preview: Playoffs qualification in focus as Bengaluru take on FC Goa

Both teams are gunning for a spot in the top four.

The business end of the Indian Super League season is coming in strong. Right now, two juggernauts – Bengaluru FC and FC Goa, for whom playoffs are the base standard for a season, are coming together in what is a potential crunch match. For the Blues, playoffs would be a welcome relief from a tumultuous few months. It would also help them maintain their playoffs run, extending it to a fourth season. For the Gaurs, it takes the form of validation. The team have displayed some beautiful football under Juan Ferrando, but the lack of results has been a factor. A playoffs appearance would be just reward for the all-round effort shown by the players.

The Stakes

Both teams are aiming for the playoffs, with five teams battling to the wire for two spots. FC Goa have the slight upper hand owing to their current position, occupying one of the two remaining playoffs spots. The onus will be on Bengaluru to come out and chase victory, as a share of the points won’t be enough for them.

But, the Gaurs also cannot accept the same. Both Hyderabad and NorthEast are hot on their heels and a slip at this stage of the season could prove costly for them.  A high-voltage encounter is expected.

Team News

Brandon Fernandes is the only real injury concern for the Gaurs.

Juanan is the big miss for the Blues. The defender is out till the end of the season. Leon Augustine and Ashique Kuruniyan are doubts as well owing to injuries.

Head-to-Head

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNBsnGao4fM

The Blues hold an overwhelming advantage over the Gaurs when they face-off against each other, with Bengaluru having won five times compared to Goa’s one. Two ties including the reverse fixture this season had ended in stalemates.

These two sides met at the beginning of the season, both teams’ first match. Bengaluru had taken a two-goal lead at half-time. However, the Gaurs rallied under Igor Angulo, who scored a brace within three minutes to ensure a share of spoils.

Probable Lineups

FC Goa: Dheeraj (GK); Saviour, Ivan, Donachie, Seriton; Edu, Princeton; Romario, Redeem, Noguera; Igor

Bengaluru FC: Gurpreet (GK); Kumar, Khabra, Fran, Parag; Suresh, Paartalu; Udanta, Chhetri, Xisco; Silva

Man to Watch

Cleiton Silva (Bengaluru FC)

In a bleak and rather disappointing season by Blues’ standards, Cleiton Silva has been one of the few silver-linings to takeaway from the bubble. The Brazilian has been one of the routine over-performers for Bengaluru, leading his team in both goals and assists this season, with seven goals and three assists. He has recently upped his game, putting in mind-blowing performances while leading his side to victories. Silva will need to come up with the goods once again while playing FC Goa – a side he has already scored against in the first match of the season.

Alberto Noguera (FC Goa)

As the season nears the end, it is not surprising to see another Gaur leading the assist charts. Alberto Noguera has been dazzling neutrals and the Gaurs' faithful alike with brilliant performances on the field. The one-two punch provided by Noguera and Angulo has been a boon for FC Goa, terrorizing opposition defences at will. Without Juanan, Bengaluru FC will need to be at the top of their game to prevent a breach of their walls.

Did You Know?

• Bengaluru FC are the only side to feature in the playoffs every time they have participated in the ISL, a run that is under threat this season.
• Bengaluru FC’s first-ever loss in the Indian Super League came at the hands of FC Goa in the 2017-18 season.
• The game will feature two FIFA U-17 World Cup members of the Indian team in 2017 – Suresh Singh Wangjam of Bengaluru FC and Dheeraj Singh of FC Goa.

Telecast

The match between Bengaluru FC and FC Goa is set to be telecast live on Star Sports 1 SD & HD, Star Sports 2 SD & HD (English), Star Sports Hindi 1 SD & HD, Star Sports 3 and several other regional languages. Live streaming of the match will be available on Hotstar and Jio TV.