Preview: Desperate FC Goa to pile misery on luckless Odisha FC

The Juggernauts have nothing to play for but pride in their remaining games.

Fortunately or unfortunately, this fixture is all about FC Goa as Odisha FC have descended into such a position that they have nothing to play for but pride. After a chaotic Indian Super League season, the Juggernauts will be looking to end the proceedings with a bang. That would be exactly what the Gaurs would not want. Juan Ferrando’s side desperately need three points to leapfrog NorthEast United on the table and move into the third place. Right now, all roads point to the last match of the season against Hyderabad FC and the coach wouldn’t want to leave it to fate that late in the season.

The Stakes

For FC Goa, it is now or never. Juan Ferrando’s side needs to keep their playoffs hopes alive and a win against Odisha will push them to as high as third in the standings, leaving the onus on NorthEast and Hyderabad FC to catch up to them. The likes of Bengaluru and Jamshedpur are not that far behind either.

As for Odisha, it boils down to pride. Interim coach Gerald Peyton hasn’t yet won a match and would be looking to make his move permanent with a string of impressive displays during the last stage of the season.

Team News

Brandon Fernandes is still a big miss for Ferrando who is in dire need of his services. Moreover, Princeton Rebello is also a doubt despite featuring on the bench against Chennaiyin. Meanwhile, Edu Bedia is suspended for the game after picking up an yellow card against Chennaiyin.

Paul Ramfangzauva is out for Odisha. Bar him, Peyton has a near full squad at his disposal.

Head-to-Head

The Gaurs have faced Odisha on five occasions, winning four and drawing one. Against the erstwhile Delhi Dynamos, FC Goa have lost two times and drawn twice as well, winning six matches.

The first round of matches saw these two sides face-off in a tense affair which ended 1-0 thanks to an Igor Angulo strike at the stroke of half-time.

Probable Lineups

FC Goa: Dheeraj (GK); Saviour, James, Ivan, Seriton; Amarjit, Glan; Romario, Noguera, Ortiz; Igor

Odisha FC: Arshdeep (GK); Pradhan, Dhot, Taylor, Tratt; Rai, Bora, Mawihmingthanga; Lalhlimpuia, Onwu, Inman

Man to Watch

Igor Angulo (FC Goa)

16 games and 12 goals is an impressive return in a first season for any club. The Spaniard has taken the Goan faithful by storm with amazing performances. Odisha FC’s tendency to leak goals will be a welcome boost for Angulo as he tries to catch up with Roy Krishna in the race for Golden Boot. His goals will be a bonus for the Gaurs who are looking to register a win since beating Jamshedpur by three goals a month back. Angulo’s top notch performances need to resonate on the scoresheet along side victories and only a playoffs appearance could really vindicate his arrival in place of Coro. This game would be a perfect setting for the same.

Arshdeep Singh (Odisha FC)

The custodian’s performance between the sticks has already garnered calls for national team call-up. Arshdeep has been one of the few commendable performers in a season that Odisha FC would want to end as soon as possible. The 23-year-old leads the league in saves with 55 in just 14 games. And the numbers will likely go up when the Gaurs come calling. The Gaurs are 3rd in the league in terms of shots and 2nd in shots per game with 230 shots in 17 matches so far. The Spanish flair in FC Goa's attack will be a big test for the youngster and he needs to be at the top of his game for Odisha to slay the ‘Goa’liath in front of them

Did You Know?

• Odisha FC have not won against FC Goa since shifting base from Delhi.
• If FC Goa, fail to make the playoff this season, it will only be for the second time in ISL history.
• If Odisha fail to win any of their last three matches, they will join Chennaiyin as the only sides to ever finish without double digit points in a season.

Telecast

The match between FC Goa and Odisha FC 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.