Thursday , March 28 2024

ISL-4: Free-scoring FC Goa aim to re-enter top four against high-flying Bengaluru FC!

Bengaluru FC host FC Goa in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Friday. The league debutants are sitting pretty at the top of the table, with a five-point gap between them and second-placed FC Pune City. Having won all of their previous four fixtures, a fifth win on the trot would confirm the Blues inclusion in the playoffs.

The Gaurs, on the other hand, have managed to secure just a single point from their previous two outings. They also squandered a lead twice in their last match against NorthEast United FC, baring open their defensive woes. While they would want to keep up with their attacking flair, tightening the defence should also be of priority if they are to get a result against their formidable opponents.

The teams played out a seven-goal thriller when they last met this season in Goa, with the Gaurs eking out a 4–3 win. The passionate fans would be looking for a similar goal fest in Bengaluru, as well.

HEAD TO HEAD

Bengaluru FC 0–1 FC Goa (0 draws)

KEY PLAYERS

Erik Paartalu (Bengaluru FC)

The Australian has been the anchorman of the Bengaluru midfield. Strong and pacey, Paartalu poses a threat every time he drives forward, while also tracking back to break down opponent attacks. He uses his height to good effect while getting on the end of set-pieces and has three goals and a couple of assists to his name. The 31-year-old will look to stabilize the midfield once more against their free-scoring opponents.

Manuel Lanzarote (FC Goa)

The Spaniard has been deadly in the attacking line for the Gaurs. He has surged forward often, taking on the defence and scoring, while also picking out intelligent and precise passes all over the park. The 34-year-old has eight goals and five assists to his name already and is one who can influence the whole course of a game with his pace and trickery. Lanzarote will once more look to be influential for his side and help them pick up a crucial away win.

POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUPS

Bengaluru FC

Albert Roca will probably go for a 4-1-4-1 formation, which relies heavily on their midfield and flanks for proper service to the striker.

Goalkeeper: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu

Defenders: Harmanjot Khabra, John Johnson, Juanan, Subhasish Bose

Midfielders: Lenny Rodrigues, Edu Garcia, Erik Paartalu, Sunil Chhetri, Udanta Singh

Forward: Miku

Bengaluru’s gaffer on their objectives for the match: “First of all, we have to ensure our position in the playoffs, which was always our first goal. Tomorrow, we all play against a team who I think will also be in the top four because of the way they are playing and the quality of their players. It is a good test, but we will first have to ensure three points.”

FC Goa

Sergio Lobera will probably stick to his 4-2-3-1 formation, which ensures their formidable attack receives good service from the midfield.

Goalkeeper: Laxmikant Kattimani

Defenders: Narayan Das, Mohamed Ali, Sergio Juste, Seriton Fernandes

Midfielders: Edu Bedia, Manuel Arana, Brandon Fernandes, Mandar Rao Dessai, Manuel Lanzarote

Forward: Ferran Corominas

Goa’s assistant coach Derrick Pereira on their approach to the game: “I think we play as a team and follow certain ideas and philosophies. We will stick to that. We play attacking football, which is possession-based, and we get punished at times when we make mistakes. This has been the story of our season. But we will not change our ideas. We will play the way we play.”

KEYS STATS

Bengaluru are the only team to have not drawn any match yet
Goa are yet to keep a clean sheet this season
The Blues (28) and the Gaurs (29) are the second-highest and highest scorers, respectively, in the league so far
Bengaluru have the best goal-difference (13), while Goa have conceded the second-highest number of goals (23)

LAST ENCOUNTER

– FC Goa 4–3 Bengaluru FC (30th November 2017 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa)

FORM GUIDE

Bengaluru FC: W W W W L

FC Goa: D L W W L

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