Depleting Odisha faces a new look FC Goa at the Tilak Maidan. Both of them are experiencing different graphs of form after contrasting starts to their 2021/22 ISL campaign.
OFC vs FCG Match Details :
When: Friday, December 24
Time: 19:30 (IST)
Where: Tilak Maidan
OFC vs FCG Match Preview :
Odisha FC had a reality check to their current ISL campaign after an impressive start with two wins. Now, they have lost in three of their last four games causing them to drift away from the playoff places. Only three points in that period OFC achieved was against NorthEast United. Kiko Ramirez suffered their first loss against Kerala and then bitter defeats to Jamshedpur (4-0) and Chennaiyin FC (2-1 ) followed. The defensive solidarity the Juggernauts were wishing for this season, after a disastrous time in the previous one, is getting breached. Ramirez knew his boys cannot afford to lose more points on the road and allow others to leapfrog them in connection for the playoff place. Especially in the festive period time when fixtures are due to come thick and fast and teams like Kerala and Goa are reviving their campaign after a slow start. Odisha faces the latter, looking to change things with a new face in the dugout.
It wasn't at all a satisfying start for FC Goa this season but as soon as Juan Ferrando was able to reconcile his tactics to produce a few positive results this month, ATK Mohun Bagan triggered his release clause to replace the departed Antonio Lopez Habas with him. It was a hard one for the Goan fans to swallow. The club reacted quickly by appointing a local man and former National team player, Derrick Pereira. Pereira did take charge of FC Goa on a short-term basis towards the end of the 2019/20 season after the departure of Sergio Lobera while also being their youth development coach and technical director. Regarding his vast experience coaching football in the state, he seems to be fit for the role and at the time FC Goa are finding glimpses of their usual self in the season. The orange army are unbeaten in the last three including two wins and a well-earned draw against Hyderabad FC in their last game.
Recent Form :
Odisha FC: LLWLW
FC Goa: DWWLL
OFC vs FCG Team News :
Odisha FC have a full squad available for this fixture while FC Goa are still missing Brandon Fernandes who is out with an injury. Attacker Jorge Ortiz is suspended for the game in serving his two-game ban after getting sent off against Bengaluru earlier this month.
OFC vs FCG Expected Lineups :
Odisha FC: Kamaljit Singh; Lalhrezuala Sailo, Gaurav Bora, Victor Mongil, Lalruatthara, Thoiba Moirangthem, Vinit Rai, Javi Hernandez, Issac Vanmalsawma, Ariday Cabrera, Jonathas
FC Goa: Dheeraj Singh; Mohamed Ali, Ivan Gonzalez, Aibanbha Dohling; Seriton Fernandes, Edu Bedia, Alberto Noguera, Glan Martins, Saviour Gama; Devendra Murgaonkar, Airam Cabrera.
OFC vs FCG Head to Head :
FC Goa were the better side of the two in both the occasions last season with a 1-0 and 3-1 victory respectively. Remarkably, Odisha FC have failed to beat the Gaurs in ISL since the franchise came into play. They have lost in each of their last four meetings.
OFC vs FCG Dream11 Team Prediction :
GK: Dheeraj (FCG)
DEF: Mongil (OFC), Ivan (FCG), Rodas (OFC)
MID: Noguera (FCG), Martins (FCG), Bedia (FCG), Vinit Rai (OFC), Javi (OFC)
FW: Jonathas (OFC), Airam Cabrera (FCG)
