Indian Super League: Cracker of a contest on the cards

Goa (21 points) will look to extend its lead at the top while Bengaluru (16 points) will strive to cut the gap between it and the Gaurs to two points. Ever since the first game between the two sides finished in Goa’s favour, BFC has had the upper hand in this fixture, remaining unbeaten in five matches against Sergio Lobera’s team.

“We are going to face one of the best sides in ISL. It’s a big match for us. But I think in the situation right now, the pressure is on Bengaluru. We have five points between us. We go into the clash with confidence and if we can get three points, the gulf will increase to eight points,” said Goa assistant coach Jesus Tato.

Goa’s task of turning its fortunes around against the Blues will be that much harder as it will be without Lobera on the touchline after he was sent off in its last game against Chennaiyin FC. A lot will depend on Ferran Corominas, who has been in form lately. However, the Spanish striker hasn’t really come to life when pitted against Juanan and Albert Serran.

Another key player will be Brandon Fernandes, who comes into the tie on the back of two goals in as many games and also has five assists. In fact, no Indian has a better goal involvement number than the 25-year-old.

“I think we’re doing well this season, quite similar to the last one in the way that we’re missing our striker. Last year, it was Miku and this time around, it is Manuel Onwu. If you see the top scorers’ table, every team has a foreigner with goals. In the end, football is about balance and we have been balanced enough in the last two editions,” said Bengaluru gaffer Carles Cuadrat.

Sunil Chhetri-led BFC has struggled against fellow play-off contenders so far, losing to ATK and Mumbai City FC while it could only manage a draw against Goa in the reverse fixture. Cuadrat will be desperate to ensure it takes everything at stake in a potential ‘six-pointer’. Set-pieces could play a big role in deciding the outcome of the duel.

Both teams make the most of offensive set-pieces - Goa’s 11 out of 22 goals have come from dead-ball situations while six of Bengaluru’s 11 goals have stemmed from them. They have the best records in defending set-pieces as well.

“BFC concentrates more on set-pieces. It had a special session when I was there. Our side has to take care of the fast players like Udanta (Singh) and Ashique (Kuruniyan), but most importantly we have to play our own game,” said Goa’s Mandar Rao Dessai, who has played for Bengaluru in the past.