Sergio Lobera hails Bengaluru as the 'best' team in league, Carles Cuadrat praises FC Goa's gameplay

Both the tacticians were impressed with their opposition.

FC Goa and Bengaluru FC face each other at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa, in a contest to determine the most dominant force in the league. Goa sit in top spot, after five wins in seven matches. Bengaluru, on the other hand, are right behind, with 13 points in their five outings. The Blues are yet to lose a match in the league and have two matches in hand over their rivals. It will be the fiercest attack taking on the meanest defence in the league and all odds point to a belter.

Coach’s Corner

Sergio Lobera (FC Goa)

Sergio Lobera was full of praise for the opposition. Bengaluru are yet to lose a game in the league.“I think we are facing the best team in the league. I believe tomorrow’s match is a big challenge for us. There are also other matches ahead and I don’t think the next match alone will determine what is going to happen. I think it is a good chance to get three points at home and be in an advantageous position,” the Spaniard said.

Ferran Corominas has been in red-hot form this season, continuing from where he left last campaign.“ I’m not surprised at all because If I did not think that he is able to do this, I would have not renewed him. We all know that he is a very good player, in a very good team,” the Goa head coach insisted. “Coro is a player with enough experience to handle pressure, “ he added.

“Regardless of tomorrow’s result, we have to fight at all times for the title. Tomorrow’s really a good opportunity for us to prove to everyone that we are a very strong side and can beat Bengaluru,” the gaffer concluded.

Carles Cuadrat (Bengaluru FC)

Carles Cuadrat faces the most dangerous attack in the league when his side take on the Gaurs, "Goa is playing very nice football. They are scoring a lot of goals. It will be a very nice game because our mentality is also to play good football and score goals,” the Blues' gaffer explained.

However, the fixture is also their fourth successive away game. When asked whether, it makes a difference the Spaniard had this to say, “To be honest, it does not make a big difference. It doesn’t matter to us whether it’s home or away, but it’s true that we come from three very hard games outside; Pune, Kolkata and Kerala. It’s going to be a challenge to get three points here. We really enjoy playing in front of our supporters. It is really sad to not have the fans close to us because they give a lot to us.”

“One of the reasons I signed as a coach for Bengaluru is because I know the players and I know that they are very competitive. So for us, it’s great, that sensation to go and try to win. It has been really tough for us to win the last games because the opponents have been performing at a very good level. We practice to try and win and get results,” the Bengaluru head coach concluded.

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Team News

FC Goa

No injury or suspension concerns are there at present for FC Goa.

Bengaluru FC

Sunil Chhetri is doubtful to start but might feature from the bench.

Probable Lineups

FC Goa: Nawaz, Seriton,  Fall, Chinglensana, Mandar,  Jahouh, Lenny, Edu Bedia, Boumous, Jackichand, Coro

Bengaluru FC - Gurpreet, Nishu, Juanan, Serran, Rahul, Paartalu, Khabra, Lewis, Dimas, Udanta, Miku

Did You know?

• FC Goa have scored the most number of goals in the league. The Gaurs have scored 21 goals in seven matches so far.

• Bengaluru FC has let in the least number of goals in the league. Their rock-solid defense has only let in four goals in five outings.

• FC Goa custodian Muhammad Nawaz has the second highest saves in the league with 22 saves in seven matches.

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Broadcast

The match will take place tomorrow at 7:30 pm at the Fatorda Stadium in Madgaon. On television, the match will be broadcasted live on Star Sports network. Meanwhile, it will also be streamed on Hotstar and JioTV.