ISL Match Preview: FC Goa take on Odisha FC as both teams fight to revive semi-final hopes

FC Goa will be clashing with Odisha FC in the Hero Indian Super league 2021/22 in the Athletic Stadium, Goa with both the teams in a hurry to collect maximum points on the table. Both sides will be raring to go in order to book a top 4 spot in the table which will qualify them for the ISL semi-final stage as well.

Both clubs have encountered a slump in form as the semi-final spot is starting to go out of grasp.

FC Goa have created more chances and attempted more shots than any other Hero ISL team this season – 206 shots and created 140 chances. However, with only 17 of the shots turned into goals, their struggle continues to remain in conversion and finishing.

Meanwhile, Odisha FC have continued to impress with late goals as no other team has scored more goals in the last 15 minutes of games this season.

Form Guide

FC Goa: WDLDL

The Gaurs are winless in their last four encounters and have managed to record only three wins in 14 matches. They are positioned ninth on the league table with 14 points.

Odisha FC: WLWDL

Similar to FC Goa, Odisha FC enter the arena after succumbing to a loss in close margins. The Bhubaneswar-based team are placed eighth on the standings with 17 points in the bag.

Head to Head

FC Goa have had the better of Odisha FC on four out of five occasions while the fifth and last fixture ended in a 1-1 draw, making the Gaurs only the second team to remain undefeated against Odisha FC.

Team News

Odisha FC have no injury concerns with all players reporting to be available.

Key Stats

Odisha’s set-piece woes

14 of the last 15 goals scored by Odisha FC have come from open play, meanwhile conceding 14 goals via set-pieces this season – the highest of any side.

FC Goa’s first-half fireworks

11 of FC Goa’s 17 goals have come in the first half of games. Only SC East Bengal (5) have scored fewer goals in the second half of games than FC Goa (6).

Key Players

FC Goa

Alberto Noguera: With three goals and two assists this season, Noguera has been an important player in the midfield for the Gaurs while maintaining an impressive passing accuracy of 83.57%.

Ivan Gonzalez: The defender has made 49 tackles, 31 clearances, and 24 interceptions while winning all 13 of his aerial duels.

Odisha FC

Jonathas Cristian: He scored Odisha FC’s second goal in their 3-2 loss against Hyderabad FC to score his fourth goal of the season after coming on as a second-half substitute. He has also provided two assists and attempted 18 shots.

Jerry Mawhimingthanga: This season is Jerry’s best-ever season in the Hero ISL in terms of goals scored with 3 strikes. All his 3 goals have come in his last 5 appearances, meaning he is improving with each match.

Match timings and telecast details

Match: FC Goa vs Odisha FC      

Date: 1 February 2022

Venue: Athletic Stadium, Goa

Kick-off time: 7.30 pm

Telecast: Star Sports Network

Online Streaming: Disney+Hotstar and JioTV.