FC Goa are enjoying a strong campaign with a solid current unbeaten streak in away games (6), while Odisha FC are seeking their first-ever win against the Gaurs in ISL history.
However, the home team enter this fixture in high spirits, having won thrice and drawn twice in their previous five matches. FC Goa better them in this aspect, since they have emerged victorious in four out of their last five ISL encounters. The Gaurs are placed third in the standings with 22 points from 12 matches, and the Juggernauts are positioned sixth with 20 points from 13 games.
Odisha FC will be eager to break their duck against the Gaurs and register their first victory in this rivalry, which will be a significant feat for their head coach Sergio Lobera, who previously used to be at the helm of FC Goa.
The two teams present contrasting styles and fortunes. Odisha FC have been accurate in passing, boasting the second-highest pass completion rate (81.3%) this season, while FC Goa rely on their defensive solidity, especially since Sandesh Jhingan’s return, conceding only four goals in their last six games.
Will Odisha FC finally secure a win against the Gaurs, or will FC Goa reaffirm their superiority?
Odisha FC’s Challenges
* Aerial Threat: The Juggernauts have recorded 49% success rate in winning aerial duels this season, significantly higher than the 43.8% of FC Goa. Mourtada Fall, who has won 34 aerial duels, has been pivotal in Odisha FC winning their battles in the air, particularly inside both the defensive and attacking boxes.
* Goals Drying Up? Odisha FC have played out two goalless draws this season (vs Mumbai City FC on 5 December 2024 and vs Mohammedan SC on 27 December 2024). Their highest such tally in an entire season is of three, which came in 2023-24, and it’s a feat that Lobera & Co. will be cautious against replicating all over again this time around.
FC Goa’s Records
* Manolo Marquez’s Unique Achievement: FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez has never been defeated in his first ISL match of any new calendar year, winning four times and drawing once in five such games. However, he is yet to garner a victory in his three face-offs with Sergio Lobera-coached teams on the road, drawing twice and losing once. Which of these two records will hold after tomorrow’s match?
* Sadiku Eyes Goals: Armando Sadiku is just one goal (8 goals currently) away from setting his highest goal-scoring tally in a single ISL season and could equal his best performance against a single opponent (3 goals vs Jamshedpur FC) if he scores against Odisha FC. Sadiku’s presence upfront has certainly added sharpness and bite to FC Goa’s attacking endeavours this season.
Head-to-Head
In their 10 previous encounters, FC Goa have won six games, while four have ended in draws. Odisha FC are yet to taste victory in this fixture.
Coach’s Corner
“We want to reach the playoffs”
Odisha FC head coach Sergio Lobera admitted that his team is targeting to reach the playoffs this season, and not finish atop in the league stages necessarily.
“Our target is to reach the playoffs. There are better teams than us, who can fight for the shield. We cannot do that, we are professionals, and if there’s an opportunity till the end, we will try to do so,” Lobera said.
“We will fight till the end for the League Shield”
FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez, on the other hand, has his eyes set on challenging for the League Shield.
“We will fight till the very end for the League Shield. The competition is tough. Tomorrow is another very difficult game,” Marquez said.
Key Players & Milestones
* Jerry Lalrinzuala is set to become the 10th player to make 150 ISL appearances, adding experience to the Juggernauts’ side. Among players present in Odisha FC presently, only goalkeeper Amrinder Singh (175) has played more games in the competition.
· Mourtada Fall has recorded the second-most blocks (17) this season (until the end of Matchweek 14), which is only next to Alex Saji, who has made 18 of them. Fall’s 27 interceptions, 44 passes per game at 87% accuracy, and four goals make him one of the most key figures for the team both at the back and upfront too.
· FC Goa’s Brison Fernandes bagged a brace in their previous win against Mohun Bagan Super Giant. The 23-year-old has netted thrice, in addition to creating 12 goal-scoring chances and making as many key passes this season. He has put in a defensive shift by winning 35 duels, intercepting and clearing four times each, and also making 29 recoveries in ISL 2024-25.
ISL Fantasy
Mourtada Fall (6cr)
The defender has won the most ISL fantasy points (88) for Odisha FC this season
Armando Sadiku (8.6cr)
The striker has secured the highest ISL fantasy points (61) for FC Goa in 2024-25
The Indian Super League will be streamed live on JioCinema (English, Hindi, Bengali, and Malayalam) and telecast live on Sports 18 – 3 (English, Hindi, Bengali, and Malayalam), Asianet Plus (Malayalam). Additionally, select ISL matches will be telecast live on Sports 18 – 1, Sports 18 – 2, Sports 18 – Khel, and Star Sports 3.
