FC Goa will be riding high on their 11 game unbeaten streak, while Bengaluru FC will bank on their latest win where they embezzled the semi-finalists ahead of this Do-or-Die encounter for both of the teams.
With 2 games in hand and the regular season being seemingly ephemeral, the teams would be plotting their best strategies without squandering any resource. If we glance through the points table, the difference between these two teams is quite evident but the mathematical fact that 5 teams are battling it out for just 2 spots which are up for grabs, makes the whole scenario a bit too cramped up.
The Gaurs are currently placed at the 4th spot with 27 points whereas the Blues who unfortunately were sluggish, are recounting their chances from the 7th spot, with 22 points in their kitty. It would be quite riveting to see the dynamics of the game change as the season approaches the conclusion.
From the Dugout
The El Mago, Dimas Delgado has rejoined the Bengaluru FC camp and would be raring to hit the pitch. Ashique Kuruniyan made his comeback in the last game sporting a protective face mask, which might give us some hints about him making it into the starting XI very soon.
Indian Players to Watch Out :
Sunil Chhetri, the man who just crossed the benchmark of 200 games in the Benglauru colors, also scored a brace in the last game, undoubtedly tops the list. Big player for Big games, Sunil Chhetri will definitely be under the spotlight tonight.
Ishan Pandita -the Super Sub- coming off the bench and scoring goals has been his habit. Scoring 4 goals in just a game-time of 51 minutes (via – ISL Website), is no mean feat. Ishan will be looking forward to score those crucial ones for his side yet again.
Suresh Singh Wangjam, the talented youngster would be pivotal in the midfield, given his work-rate Suresh will aim to take his side a bit higher up the table.
Key Foreign Players :
Igor Angulo, being the second highest goalscorer in the league, he’s the player which the fans would rely on given how the two teams are staged at the moment.
The Brazilian, Cleiton Silva has found the back of the net for as much as 7 times, which is the most for BFC alongside Sunil Chhetri.
Jorge Ortiz has arguably been the most effective foreign player for the side, as he has constituted for 7 goal contributions, 6G + 1A.
Probable Lineups :
FC Goa : Dheeraj Singh, Seriton Fernandes, Ivan Gonzalez, James Donachie, Saviour Gama, Glan Martins, Amarjit Singh Kiyam, Alexander Romario Jesuraj, Alberto Noguera, Jorge Ortiz, Igor Angulo.
Bengaluru FC: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Harmanjot Khabra, Rahul Bheke, Fran Gonzalez, Ashique Kuruniyan, Erik Paartalu, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Dimas Delgado, Udanta Singh, Sunil Chhetri, Cleiton Silva
Head to Head record
Matches Played – 8
FC Goa won – 1
Bengaluru FC won – 5
Draw – 2
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