Buoyant FC Goa Host League Leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant at Fatorda

Buoyant FC Goa Host League Leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant at Fatorda

December 18, 2024 – Goa, India: The stage is set for a thrilling showdown in the Indian Super League (ISL) at Fatorda, as FC Goa host league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant this Friday. With plenty at stake, we can expect a high-octane encounter between two of the top contenders for the League Shield, just like last season.

FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant

Where: Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda

When: 7:30 pm

Tickets available online at Insider.in, FC Goa Box Office in Fatorda, Magsons Stores in Porvorim and Margao

For FC Goa, this match is about more than just points – it’s an opportunity to climb into the top three and strengthen their position in the race for the playoffs. Unbeaten across their last six matches, a victory will see the Gaurs leapfrog into third place with 22 points, while a draw will still be enough to move them up to the third spot with 20 points.

The Mariners, meanwhile, are currently at the top of the table with 25 points and will look to further consolidate their position heading into the second phase of the league season, which starts in January.

Battle of the Stats

Both teams boast some of the league’s best players and top stats this season, setting the stage for an intense battle:

In terms of goal-scoring, FC Goa’s Armando Sadiku is in red-hot form, leading their attack with an impressive eight goals in 10 matches. He’ll be up against Mohun Bagan’s Jamie Maclaren, who has four goals to his name and remains a constant threat.

Just behind the leaders in attack, come the creative engines, and Greg Stewart has been on top of his game for the Mariners, with five assists in just eight matches. That said, the Scottish playmaker has been sidelined with a knee injury that will keep him out of action against the Gaurs, who have the likes of Mohammad Yasir, Iker Guarrotxena, and Dejan Drazic pulling the strings for them.

At the other end of the pitch, with six clean sheets in 11 matches, goalkeeper Vishal Kaith anchors the Mohun Bagan defense, while young Hrithik Tiwari has been a revelation for FC Goa with three clean sheets in just five appearances.

Team Form

Mohun Bagan Super Giant lead the league with eight wins and 26 points from 11 matches, scoring 22 goals while conceding only 10. FC Goa, on the other hand, are fourth, with five wins and 19 points but have scored an impressive 21 goals, highlighting their attacking prowess.

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Armando Sadiku vs Mohun Bagan’s Defence

Sadiku’s 12 shots on target and clinical finishing make him the player to watch. He will be tested by Mohun Bagan’s Vishal Kaith, whose shot-stopping ability has been second to none this season.

2. Aakash Sangwan vs Asish Rai

Both full-backs have been standout performers for their teams. Sangwan’s 13 interceptions and 15 successful tackles will be pivotal in containing Mohun Bagan’s wide threats, including ex-FC Goa star Liston Colaco, who leads the league with 15 shots on target.

3. Creative Midfield Battle

Drazic, with 14 chances created for Goa, will look to outshine Dimitrios Petratos, who has 30 to his name for the Mariners.

4. Head-to-Head

The history between these two ISL giants adds an extra layer of intrigue. In their 10 previous encounters, Mohun Bagan have had the upper hand with six wins, while FC Goa have won three. At Fatorda, however, the record is evenly split – one win apiece.