Synopsis
In the upcoming ISL 2024-25 match, FC Goa will face Odisha FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa. FC Goa aims to achieve a league double against Odisha FC after winning the first match 4-2. Both teams are looking to improve their standings in the league.Key Takeaways
- FC Goa aims for a league double against Odisha FC.
- Odisha FC is looking for their first league win against FC Goa.
- FC Goa is third in the points table with 33 points.
- Odisha FC won their last match against Bengaluru FC.
- Both teams are eager to secure crucial points.
Goa, Feb 5 (NationPress) FC Goa is set to face off against Odisha FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on Thursday.
The Gaurs are targeting a third league double against Odisha FC, having secured victory in the previous matchup with a score of 4-2 on January 4. They have triumphed in seven of the 11 meetings against the Juggernauts in ISL history. This achievement positions them as one of just two teams—alongside Mohun Bagan Super Giant (against East Bengal FC)—to remain unbeaten against a single opponent after more than 10 encounters.
In their last match, FC Goa faced a setback, losing 1-3 to Jamshedpur FC, which ended their impressive 12-match unbeaten streak that included eight wins. The Gaurs are determined to avoid back-to-back defeats in the same season for the first time since April of last year, when they fell to Mumbai City FC twice.
On the flip side, Odisha FC is riding a wave of momentum, having claimed a 3-2 victory in their last away game against Bengaluru FC, followed by a 2-2 draw at home against NorthEast United FC. Prior to their successful outing against the Blues, the team, coached by Sergio Lobera, was stuck in a three-game winless streak on the road (D2 L1). The Juggernauts have only achieved back-to-back away victories twice, during the periods of November-December 2024 and December 2023-February 2024.
Currently, FC Goa occupies the third position in the points table with 33 points from 18 matches, having won nine and drawn six. They aim to outpace second-placed Jamshedpur FC (34 points), while Odisha FC is trailing by three points (25) behind sixth-placed Mumbai City FC (28 points).
Head coach of FC Goa, Manolo Marquez, has urged his squad to regain their form following their defeat to Jamshedpur FC.
“We need to perform as we did previously, at least to remain competitive,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Odisha FC's assistant coach, Anthony Fernandes, shared insights about his team's style of play.
“We prioritize ball possession, and our ability to do this effectively allows us to create numerous scoring opportunities, reflecting our creativity,” he noted.
