Goa: FC Goa will look to turn the tables on Bengaluru FC, which has historically held an upper hand over the Gaurs, banking on their flawless start to the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 campaign. FC Goa will be welcomed to the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on October 25, Wednesday by Bengaluru FC, as the Blues gear up to retain their resounding record against Goa in the competition.
Two teams with a rich legacy in the ISL, passionate fan bases, skilful players, and seasoned tacticians will lock horns in front of the West Block Blues in one of the most keenly awaited fixtures in every season of the league.
What’s at stake?
Bengaluru FC
Head coach Simon Grayson had cautioned other teams that the Blues will be a force to reckon with at home before their incredible 2-1 victory over East Bengal FC earlier this month. They came from behind to triumph and get one over their former head coach amidst a rousing reception from their supporters. The Gaurs have had a pitch perfect campaign till now but there is no way one can count Bengaluru out in their own backyard.
FC Goa
The thing with champion coaches is that they don’t waste any time in hitting the ground running. Manolo Marquez is reiterating that belief with the tremendous start to his tenure with FC Goa. They secured a convenient victory over Punjab FC, followed it up with a thrilling late winner against Odisha FC and then struck hard whilst trailing to defeat East Bengal FC on Saturday. Right from his diligent defensive setup, creative midfield play, and goal-scoring efficiency, the Gaurs have gone all in with Marquez’s ideas and are reaping the rewards of the same already.
Key Players
Sunil Chhetri (Bengaluru FC)
Cometh the hour, cometh the man. Sunil Chhetri is cut from a different cloth and that needs no second guessing. The man relishes the big stage against major opponents and the whole of Kanteerava will be expecting a blockbuster performance from their ever-inspiring skipper as he leads them out against the team that is the flavour of the season.
Udanta Singh (FC Goa)
Homecomings are always emotional and we have seen plenty of that in the last month of the ISL. However, Udanta Singh and Bengaluru have a connection so deeply entrenched and genuine that he should expect nothing less than a warm welcome in his former hunting ground. From breaking into the scenes to making it to the national team, Udanta did it all whilst plying his trade in Bengaluru. He can shine there once again, albeit in a different shirt this time around.
