The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season is heating up, and football fans can expect a thrilling clash between East Bengal FC and FC Goa at the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata this Friday.
Both teams are hungry for their first win of the season, and with the backdrop of a passionate home crowd, this encounter promises to be a high-octane battle.
East Bengal FC Aiming for Back-to-Back Home Wins
East Bengal FC’s return to their iconic home ground presents an opportunity to build on their momentum. The Red & Gold Brigade will be keen to replicate their triumph over Bengaluru FC from last season, a 2-1 victory that sent fans into euphoria. Securing back-to-back home wins would not only provide a much-needed confidence boost but also mark their first consecutive home victories since joining the ISL. Furthermore, this match could be historic for East Bengal as they look to notch their first opening home game win in ISL history.
Their narrow 2-1 loss to Kerala Blasters in their season opener showcased their fighting spirit, and coach Carles Cuadrat will be eager to see his side translate that resilience into a victory this time around. The squad boasts a talented attacking trio, with Dimitrios Diamantakos, Naorem Mahesh Singh, and Nandhakumar Sekar, but they will need to sharpen their finishing to get past Goa’s defense.
FC Goa’s Strong Record Against East Bengal
FC Goa’s past encounters with East Bengal have been a source of optimism for the Gaurs, having scored in all eight of their previous meetings with the Kolkata giants. FC Goa have historically had the upper hand in this fixture, winning the last four encounters and consistently finding the back of the net. However, keeping a clean sheet has proven to be a challenge for the Gaurs, as they’ve only managed one against East Bengal.
Under the leadership of Manolo Marquez, FC Goa will look to maintain their scoring streak while aiming to tighten up their defense. Despite starting the season with a 1-1 draw against Mohammedan SC, FC Goa will be determined to register their first win and end their dry spell. Marquez has expressed concerns about his team’s mental fatigue, but the quality within the squad could still turn the tide in their favor.
Conversion Concerns for East Bengal FC
For East Bengal, the ability to create chances has been evident, but converting those opportunities into goals has been a struggle. Despite taking more shots on target than Kerala Blasters in their opening match, the final product was lacking. Carles Cuadrat has been vocal about addressing this issue in training and remains confident that his players will soon find their rhythm.
“We’ve been working on converting chances. It’s all about making the right decision at the right moment. With more training, I’m sure the team will improve,” Cuadrat said in his pre-match press conference.
With Naorem Mahesh Singh leading the team in goal contributions in this fixture historically, East Bengal will hope that the winger can rediscover his form and add to his tally. The home side’s attack will also need to keep an eye on FC Goa’s defense, which has shown vulnerability despite their offensive prowess.
Marquez Looking to Break the Winless Streak
Manolo Marquez’s FC Goa side has struggled to secure victories in the first two games of the season, leaving fans eager for a turnaround. Despite their strong pre-season form, which saw them lift the Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy, the team has looked mentally fatigued. Marquez remains optimistic, however, and knows the quality his players possess.
“We are not in a good moment mentally, but physically and technically we’re fine. I believe we’ll push through this phase and come out stronger,” Marquez said ahead of the clash.
One player to watch is Armando Sadiku, who has been in fine form, scoring in each of his last two ISL games. Should he find the net again on Friday, Sadiku will become the first FC Goa player to score in three consecutive matches at the start of a season—a record he will undoubtedly be eager to set.
Key Players
Naorem Mahesh Singh (East Bengal)
Naorem Mahesh Singh, despite his recent struggles, remains a key figure for East Bengal with his ability to both score and assist. His contribution in this fixture could prove decisive for the home side.
Madih Talal (East Bengal)
Madih Talal has struggled to find his footing since joining East Bengal, with the transition from Punjab FC proving challenging. His performances so far have been below expectations, but a few subpar displays don’t diminish his significant quality in the final third.
Last season, Talal racked up 16 goal contributions (six goals, 10 assists) in the ISL, and he may only need one standout game to regain his confidence and flair. He must focus on improving his composure in distribution and refining his decision-making in the final third.
Facing a compact FC Goa defense won’t be easy, but Talal can unlock their backline through his intelligent off-the-ball movement and creative touches. The support of thousands of fans at his new home ground could provide the boost he needs, as he aims to inspire his team with slick passes, create clear chances, and time his runs better to return to scoring form.
Armando Sadiku (FC Goa)
On the other hand, FC Goa’s Armando Sadiku will be a focal point in the attack, as he looks to extend his scoring streak.
Brison Fernandes (FC Goa)
Brison Fernandes has been one of FC Goa’s standout performers early in the season, causing problems in the wide areas with his pace and dribbling skills. Beyond his speed, Fernandes has also emerged as a creative force, having generated four goal-scoring opportunities—more than any of his teammates—making him a solid replacement for Brandon Fernandes.
He will aim to secure his first goal contribution by relentlessly pressuring the East Bengal defense with his forward runs and consistently delivering dangerous balls into the final third. To boost FC Goa’s attacking threat and help secure their first win of the season, Fernandes will also need to position himself better for scoring chances.
Additionally, the tactical battle between the two coaches will add another layer of intrigue. Marquez has an unbeaten record against Cuadrat in their last three meetings, and the East Bengal coach will be looking to break that trend in front of a roaring home crowd.
East Bengal FC vs FC Goa: Head-to-Head
- Matches Played – 8
- East Bengal wins – 1
- FC Goa wins – 5
- Draws – 2
East Bengal FC vs FC Goa: Injury & Team News
East Bengal FC
East Bengal FC could be without striker Dimitrios Diamantakos due to a minor concern. Injuries also leave Nishu Kumar and Provat Lakra doubtful for the match. Additionally, captain and midfielder Saul Crespo is sidelined with dengue and will be unavailable for the game against FC Goa.
FC Goa
Sandesh Jhingan and Iker Guarrotxena are still doubtful for FC Goa.
East Bengal FC vs FC Goa: Predicted Lineups
East Bengal FC (4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper: Prabhsukhan Gill
- Defenders: Mohammad Rakip, Anwar Ali, Hector Yuste, Mark Zothanpuia
- Midfielders: Jeakson Singh, Souvik Chakrabarti, Madih Talal
- Forwards: PV Vishnu, Nandhakumar Sekar, Cleiton Silva
FC Goa (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Laxmikant Kattimani
- Defenders: Udanta Singh, Odei Onaindia, Nim Dorjee Tamang, Jay Gupta
- Midfielders: Rowllin Borges, Borja Herrera, Dejan Drazic
- Forwards: Boris Singh, Brison Fernandes, Armando Sadiku
East Bengal FC vs FC Goa: Match Prediction
Both teams have shown promise, but neither has found that elusive first win of the season. For East Bengal FC, the chance to make history with a consecutive home win beckons, while FC Goa will be looking to maintain their dominance over the Red & Gold Brigade. Friday’s clash promises excitement, and fans can expect a thrilling contest as both sides leave everything on the pitch in search of victory but we predict The Gaurs might just have the last laugh.
Prediction: FC Goa 2-1 East Bengal FC
Where and Where To Watch The Match
The East Bengal vs FC Goa match is set to take place at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Friday, September 27. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM IST. The game will be broadcast live on Sports 18 and can be streamed online via Jio Cinema. International viewers can catch the action on the OneFootball app.
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When is the East Bengal FC vs FC Goa match?
The ISL 2024-25 match between East Bengal FC and FC Goa will be held on Friday, 27 September at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata, from 7:30 PM (IST) onwards.
