Odisha FC out to consolidate top-four spot

Josep Gombau’s side saw its four-match winning streak being brought to a halt in Bangalore when it went down 3-0 to Bengaluru FC last week.

The club has since signed striker Manuel Onwu on-loan from Bengaluru after Aridane Santana was ruled out for the rest of the season.

Gombau would hope that the new signing can fill in the shoes of Santana who netted nine goals in 14 matches.

Odisha FC is placed fourth on the table and a win would further help consolidate its position as the Indian Super League enters its business end. 

Interestingly, it must be mentioned that Odisha FC is yet to score a goal in four matches against the top three teams, namely ATK, FC Goa and Bengaluru FC.

Marcos Tebar is expected to miss the tie due to injury while Shubham Sarangi and Carlos Delgado are suspended due to accumulation of four yellow cards.

“Goa is a top team, one of the best teams in the league. We know very well how they play. Every single game we play, we have our 

own style.

But also depending on the opponents, we do change a few things. We have practiced this week and I think the boys are ready,” said Gombau.

On the other hand, Goa has suffered two defeats in its last two matches away from home. 

Coach Sergio Lobera will be keen to ensure that his side does not suffer a blip on Wednesday evening when it will be missing the services of influential midfielder Ahmed Jahouh.

The onus will once again be on Hugo Boumous, who has scored six and assisted four this season. Edu Bedia is expected to be named in the line-up which would mean more creativity for the visitor in the middle of the park.

Goa has been the most prolific when it comes to scoring away from home – 14 and has a tendency to up the ante in the second half having netted 16 goals.

It can ill afford to drop points at this stage with ATK leading the table on a better head-to-head count and Bengaluru FC breathing down its neck being just two points adrift.

“This season is very difficult and very competitive with all teams wanting to win. For us, it’s a big challenge and hopefully we can get the first spot and win the ISL. 

So we are working in this direction,” said the former Las Palmas coach.