FC Goa wishes to maintain their unbeaten run in the last five meetings against Kerala Blasters at home to give some cushion to their playoff spot.
The Gaurs could only draw 2-2 with NorthEast United in the previous game while the Tuskers were humbled 4-0 by Mumbai City FC.
FCG vs KBFC Match Details
Date: Sunday, 22 January 2023
Time: 19:30 (IST)
Venue: Fatorda Stadium, Goa
FCG vs KBFC Match Preview
Failing to win for four consecutive games in ISL have put FC Goa off the pace in the race for the playoffs. The Gaurs are just a point better than seventh-placed Bengaluru FC and could entirely drop out of the conversation if results do not improve in the remaining six games of the normal league phase. Carlos Pena’s men looked to be on the course to secure a top-six place initially but with the drop-off and other contenders seeing a change in their form, the competition for the playoff places has turned stiffer. The 2-2 deadlock against basement club NorthEast United last week showed the kind of struggle the club is in after not winning since December of last year. At least, the point salvaged against the Highlanders was a positive one to take following back-to-back losses. Things do not get easier for FC Goa as they face a humongous challenge in third-placed Kerala Blasters in the next match at Fatorda Stadium. Although they have an impressive record against the Tuskers at this venue with four wins from five, it will be foolish of the Gaurs if they take the opposition in a better run of form than them lightly. Goa will play to avoid defeat at all costs but a win will be necessary to put them fifth on the chart and give them confidence ahead of facing playoff contenders in upcoming matches.
Kerala Blasters were the side that broke Mumbai City FC’s heart twice last season and the Islanders paid it back, in the same manner, this season. Ivan Vukomanovic’s side came to understand the wrath of the team owned by the City Football Group. The game was over for Tuskers inside only 22 minutes as they were completely blown apart by the lethal attack of Mumbai City FC. Jorge Pereyra Diaz grabbed a stunning brace alongside assisting Bipin Singh for a stunner while Greg Stewart scored the other one. The 4-0 could have been more if Harmanjot Khabra did not make a goal-line clearance of millimeters in the second half. Kerala Blasters, on their part, could only muster a single shot on target. The defeat also ended their eight-game unbeaten run in the league. However, Ivan Vukomanovic will feel it was more of the opposition’s supreme quality and form at the moment rather than their own display that translated the defeat. So, Kerala Blasters will try to give it all against FC Goa in the next match to return back to winning ways. The Yellow Army have not won at Fatorda since 2016 and needs to overturn that record in order to solidify the third position on the table.
Recent Form
FCG: DLLDW
KBFC: LWWDW
FCG vs KBFC Team News
Carlos Pena confirmed FC Goa’s entire squad is fit for the clash on Sunday. Anwar Ali will continue in his center-back position as his deal with ATK Mohun Bagan is for the upcoming season at the end of his loan from Delhi FC.
Kerala Blasters are once again without defender Marko Leskovic with a calf strain. His absence in the back line was felt in the 4-0 defeat to Mumbai City FC in the last game. As a case, Victor Mongil continues to partner Ruivah Hormipam in the back-four.
FCG vs KBFC Predicted Lineups
FCG: Dheeraj Singh (GK); Seriton Fernandes, Anwar Ali, Fares Arnaout, Aibanbha Dohling; Ayush Chhetri, Edu Bedia; Redeem Tlang, Iker Guarrotxena, Brandon Fernandes; Noah Sadaoui
KBFC: Prabhsukhan Gill (GK); Harmanjot Khabra, Hormipam Ruivah, Victor Mongil, Jessel Carneiro; Rahul KP, Jeakson Singh, Ivan Kalyuzhnyi, Sahal Abdul Samad; Adrian Luna, Dimitrios Diamantakos
FCG vs KBFC Dream11 Team Prediction
GK: Gill (7.5)
DEF: Hormipam (7.5), Ali (8.5), Dohling (9)
MID: Brandon (8), Bedia (9), Kaliuzhnyi (9), Guarrotxena (8.5)
FW: Diamantakos (8.5), Sadaoui (9), Luna (9)
Vice-captain: Edu Bedia
Captain: Nicolas Luna
Stay tuned to Fantasy Football for upcoming matches.
