FC Goa will look to deny table-topper Mohun Bagan Super Giant early title-winning celebrations when it hosts Kerala Blasters FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in their Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 clash here on Saturday.
The Gaurs, who have already qualified for the playoffs, can delay Mohun Bagan’s title win with three points against the Blasters. With four games remaining, they have 39 points from 20 matches on the back of 11 victories and six draws.
They are in promising form with four triumphs in the last five encounters, whereas Kerala Blasters FC is positioned eighth with 24 points in 20 encounters, having lost twice in its preceding three clashes.
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“Tomorrow is a very dangerous game. Kerala Blasters FC have a very good team, especially offensive players. I respect their former coach but I feel they are more comfortable now than they were in the first half of the season,” Goa’s head coach Manolo Marquez said.
FC Goa have defeated Kerala Blasters FC in each of their last five games here, last losing a home game in front of the Kochi-based side way back in October 2016.
Overall, the Gaurs have not faced a defeat in any of their previous seven clashes in Fatorda, emerging victorious six times in the meantime.
Kerala Blasters FC could not score a single goal in its last away game, a 0-3 loss against Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
The last time it couldn’t find the back of the net in successive away encounters was way back in December 2023, a feat they would not want to repeat anytime soon.
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“In the last game, we did all things well, but could not convert our chances. As a team we will try to sort that out in the match against FC Goa,” Kerala Blasters FC interim head coach TG Purushothaman said.
The two sides have played each other in 21 games, with FC Goa and Kerala Blasters FC winning 12 and five times respectively, with four games producing draws.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 pm IST.
Content Source: sportstar.thehindu.com