ISL 2020-21: Kerala Blasters will lock horns against hosts FC Goa in the second match of Sunday’s double header. Both teams are yet to secure a win in the ongoing season and will be eyeing for the important 3 points.
Both sides have faced each other 12 times earlier with FC Goa having won on eight occasions while losing thrice.
The Gaurs are also on a six-match unbeaten run against Kerala and will aim to continue that at the home venue Fatorda Stadium.
However, both sides find themselves in the bottom half of the table with just two points each. And there is a lot to worry about for both the coaches as they head into this contest.
Also Read:ISL 2020-21: When and Where to Watch FC Goa vs Kerala Blasters FC All TV channel and live streaming details
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While Kerala have dominated possession against all their opponents so far, they haven’t been efficient in the final third of the pitch and have struggled to create chances.
Kerala are yet to score a goal from open play this season. Both their goals so far have come from set-pieces. At the back, Kibu Vicuna’s side has appeared shaky. The two-time finalists have also been dealt a huge blow with captain Sergio Cidoncha likely to be out of action for a while.
“Every team is a different challenge. It’s true we have more similarities with FC Goa because of a similar style of play,” said Vicuna.
“It’s going to be a battle to have more of the ball. But they are going to play their cards and so will we.”
FC Goa have managed the highest possession in the ISL so far. But despite that, Juan Ferrando’s men have also dropped points from promising positions in their previous two encounters.
The Gaurs have also shipped in four goals, all of which have come through set-pieces. They will be hoping to tighten things up at the back. They are set to be without midfielder Alberto Noguera, who will miss the game through suspension.
“For our supporters, I want them to enjoy the game because it is two teams trying to play football. I’m sure it’s going to be a beautiful game,” said Ferrando.
It is expected to be an open game with both teams having a similar style of play.
FC Goa vs Kerala Blasters HEAD TO HEAD:
Total Matches Played: 12
FC Goa won Won: 08
Kerala Blasters Won: 03
FC Goa Lost: 03
Kerala Blasters FC Lost: 08
Match Tied: 01
No Results: 00
MATCH DETAILS:
Date: Sunday, 06th December, 2020
Time: 7.30 PM IST
Place: Fatorda, Goa
Teams: FC Goa, Kerala Blasters FC
When and Where to watch FC Goa vs Kerala Blasters FC:
When does FC Goa vs Kerala Blasters FC kick off? Friday, 06th December, 5.00pm IST
Where is FC Goa vs Kerala Blasters FC being played? GMC Stadium, Goa
What TV channel is FC Goa vs Kerala Blasters FC?
FC Goa vs Kerala Blasters FC and other fixtures of ISL 2020-21 will be broadcast live on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 2, Star Sports 3, Star Sports 1 Hindi and their respective HD TV channels in India.
Online live streaming of Mumbai City FC vs Odisha FC will be available on Disney+ Hotstar and Jio TV.
Team News
FC Goa: Mohammad Nawaz, Iván Garrido Gonzalez, Aibanbha Dohling, Saviour Gama, Seriton Fernandes, Igor Angulo Alboniga, Lenny Rodrigues, Brandon Fernandes, Edu Bedia, Alberto Noguera Ripoll, Jorge Ortíz Mendoza
Kerala Blasters FC: Albino Gomes, Costa Nhamoinesu, Bakary Koné, Yendrembam Meitei, Nishu Kumar, Sergio Cidoncha, Facundo Pereyra, Rohit Kumar, Gary Hooper, Nongdamba Naorem, Seityasen Singh
Prediction: FC Goa vs Kerala Blasters FC
The analytics shows that FC Goa has clear supremacy over Kerala Blasters FC. KBFC-team, top goalscorer Bartholomew Ogbeche were moved to Mumbai City FC team. So, it is a major departure for KBFC team. But, KBFC-team has arrival of an experienced head-coach Kibu Vicuna and the other signings of some talents players like Gary Hooper, Bakery Kone, Sahal Abdul Samad, Rahul KP and Seityasen Singh will be the advantage for their team. It’s a team with good all-round strength. But they have several players who are playing for the club for the first time. TP Rehenesh, the experienced goalkeeper, has also left the side and now they have the likes of Bilal Khan, Albino Gomes, Prabhsukhan Singh Gill and Muheet Khan. They are talented but lack match experience and that can backfire at times.
On the other hand, FCG-team has reaches 3 semi-finals and 2 finals in 6 seasons. In FCG-team, head coach Sergio Lobera, Mandar Rao Dessai, Ahmed Jahouh and 2 more players were moved to Mumbai City FC team. So, it is a major departure for FCG team. But FCG team has new arrivals of foreign players Igor Angulo, Ivan Gonzalez, Jorge Ortiz and Brandon Fernandes became the advantage for their team. Their squad always has been a mix of blend and youth experience and that that has been the key to their success. Even though many of their big stars have left, the manner in which Lobera set up the base for this team should continue to help them. We expect FCG to win this match.