Preview: FC Goa face tricky East Bengal test in playoffs push
Last season's league leaders will get breathing space in the top four with a win.
Even as the season nears the run-in, the Indian Super League playoffs picture doesn’t look any clearer. Mumbai City and ATK Mohun Bagan seem to have widened the gap with the rest of the league, while FC Goa and Hyderabad FC are barely clinging on to the playoffs spots, despite trying their best to put daylight between them and the chasing pack.
Such a situation promises entertaining matches, especially between the top four contenders. Fatorda Stadium will play host to one such encounter, as FC Goa in third place take on SC East Bengal in 10th. A win for either side would put the other’s position in question, although the Gaurs would have more breathing space to operate with.
The Stakes
Despite being unbeaten in the last six matches, FC Goa do not look completely comfortable. A series of draws have halted the team's momentum and now they have to face East Bengal without Juan Ferrando or Ivan Gonzalez, both of whom are suspended. Win and their playoffs spot will look settled.
East Bengal’s seven-match unbeaten run came to a screeching halt against leaders Mumbai City FC. They will be looking to get back on the right track, but a loss at this stage would all but confirm their exit from contention for a playoffs spot.
Team News
Ivan Gonzalez’s sending off against Kerala Blasters leaves him out of the matchday squad. Brandon Fernandes is the other omission, missing his second straight game due to injury. Head coach Ferrando is also suspended for the match, with assistant coach Clifford Miranda taking over.
Robbie Fowler and SC East Bengal have a fully fit squad to choose from. Ajay Chhetri will return after his one-match suspension, but it is highly unlikely that the Indian would start.
Head-to-Head
The only match between the two before this season came in the semi-finals of the 2018 Super Cup. East Bengal won the tie thanks to a goal from former FC Goa player Dudu Omagbemi.
The two also faced off earlier this season. The match ended in a stalemate with two goals shared between the sides, despite East Bengal being down to 10 men for the majority of the second half.
Bright Enobakhare had put the Red and Gold ahead late in the second half, before Goa quickly responded through Devendra Muragonkar.
Probable Lineups
FC Goa: Naveen (GK); Gama, Dohling, Ali, Seriton; Bedia, Lenny; Jesuraj, Noguera, Ortiz; Angulo.
SC East Bengal: Debjit (GK); Ankit, Neville, Fox, Das; Steinmann, Milan; Surchandra, Enobakhare, Harmanpreet; Maghoma.
Man to Watch
Jorge Ortiz (FC Goa)
The Spaniard has firmly established himself as a favourite under Juan Ferrando. He has been rampant for the Gaurs, having scored three goals in the last two games, the latter of which was a peach of a free-kick against Kerala Blasters.
He has brilliantly stepped in when star striker Igor Angulo was forced to the bench due to injury and has upped his game during the course of the season. His performance against Jamshedpur was enthralling and he will look to continue this level of football against East Bengal.
Bright Enobakhare (SC East Bengal)
Among foreign players, Bright Enobakhare will be at the lower end of the spectrum in terms of age. But, his resourcefulness and energy has been a boon for Fowler’s men, who were stuttering in the last spot before his arrival.
East Bengal look completely different with the Nigerian in the side and his two goals and an assist in six matches, have been crucial for the Kolkata-based outfit. The Goans will be very wary of him, particularly after the goal he scored in the reverse fixture.
Did You Know?
- SC East Bengal have scored the joint-least number of the goals this season so far (11).
- Edu Bedia is the only current FC Goa foreign player to have been part of the 2018 Super Cup squad. He was sent off in the semi-final against East Bengal
- Igor Angulo is the top scorer in the league at present with nine goals in 12 games.
Telecast
The match between FC Goa and SC East Bengal 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.
Ajay A K is a passionate sports fan who follows the game for the stories it creates and the impact it leaves behind. With over nine years of writing experience, he has covered a wide range of sports and major events like the ISL, Olympics, and PGA Tour.