Preview: Resurgent FC Goa look to halt rampant ATK Mohun Bagan

The Mariners are second in the points table and unbeaten in 10 games, while the Gaurs are at ninth.

FC Goa will look to carry forward their momentum from the last game and stall ATK Mohun Bagan from completing a hat trick of wins, when the two sides meet in the 2021-22 Indian Super League at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim on Tuesday.

The Stakes

FC Goa

FC Goa registered their biggest-margin victory in the last game against Chennaiyin FC, thrashing them 5-0. Goa will still need to win their remaining four matches to harbour any slim hopes of a semi-finals berth depending on other results to go their way too. But surely the drubbing of Chennaiyin must have given a fresh lease of life to Derrick Pereira's charges.

Jorge Ortiz has been at the heart of Goa's resurgence, scoring his first-ever hat-trick in the previous encounter. His goal tally for the season now stands at 7. He has crossed his last season’s tally of 6 in just 12 matches in the 21-22 season.

ATK Mohun Bagan

ATK Mohun Bagan climbed to second spot after their win over NorthEast United FC in the last game, stretching their unbeaten run to 10 matches, winning the last two engagements. Sandesh Jhingan made his first appearance this season against NorthEast United and the star centre-back will be ready for his 100th appearance in the Hero ISL. Joni Kauko was brilliant for the Mariners in the last game, scoring a goal and providing an assist in his first start after five consecutive substitute appearances.

Liston Colaco has been in the form of his life and Goa would be worried about the pacy winger who has terrorized defenders this season. "Our aim is to help him improve more. Sometimes, it is important to also think about what more you can improve when you are tasting a lot of success. That is our target as a coaching staff. He is also keen on developing as a player," Juan Ferrando said.

ATKMB head coach Juan Ferrando will be up against his former side, and the last time they met the green and maroons ran out 2-1 winners.  A win for ATKMB will take them level on points with leaders Hyderabad FC and with a game in hand. ATKMB have played 14 games and have 26 points to Hyderabad's 29 from 16 outings.

"Every game is like a final. Today I am saying FC Goa is the most important game but when you ask me about Kerala Blasters in the match later this week, I will repeat the same statement - for all of the last six games," said Ferrando.

Team News

As of now, there are no signs of injuries in the FC Goa camp. However, there might be covid scares haunting the team as the pre-match press conference was cancelled at the twelfth hour.

For ATK Mohun Bagan, frontman Roy Krishna and midfielder Carl McHugh still remain doubtful ahead of the FC Goa fixture.

Probable Lineups

FC Goa: Dheeraj Singh, Seriton Fernandes, Ivan Gonzalez, Anwar Ali, Aibanbha Dohling, Makan Winkle Chothe, Edu Bedia, Alberto Noguera, Princeton Rebello, Brandon Fernandes, Jorge Ortiz.

ATK Mohun Bagan: Amrinder Singh, Ashutosh Mehta, Pritam Kotal, Tiri, Subhashish Bose, Deepak Tangri, Johnny Kauko, Manvir Singh, Hugo Boumous, Liston Colaco, David Williams.

Head-to-Head

FC Goa and ATK Mohun Bagan have met thrice in the Indian Super League. On two occasions, it was the Mariners who stole the show. Meanwhile, the other encounter ended in a 1-1 draw.

Did you know?

• FC Goa are yet to defeat ATK Mohun Bagan in the Indian Super League
• Juan Ferrando is a coach who has managed both FC Goa and ATK Mohun Bagan in the same season.
• The previous fixture between these sides witnessed a beautiful long-ranger from Liston Colaco.

Telecast

The match between FC Goa and ATK Mohun Bagan will be played at the GMC Athletic Stadium in Bambolim, Goa from 7:30 pm. The game will be telecasted live on the Star Sports Network. It will also be live-streamed on Disney+Hotstar and JioTV.

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