ISL 2017/18, Match 68: Bengaluru FC vs FC Goa, Probable XI

Sunil Chhetri could be instrumental this season. (Photo: ISL)

Bengaluru FC are all set to face the free-scoring FC Goa in their seventh home game of ISL 2017/18 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. Despite being reduced to 10 men, Bengaluru FC managed to give a tough fight to the Gaurs in the reverse fixture ended up in favour of Goa with 4-3 scoreline.

The is the game between two of the best attacking teams in the league as FC Goa and Bengaluru FC have scored 29 and 28 goals in the season respectively. Top 4 goal-scorers of the season are also going to be on the pitch tonight. Ferran Corominas (13), Miku (11), Sunil Chhetri (9) and Manuel Lanzarote (8) have 41 goals in between them.

Considering the current form, Bengaluru FC seems to be on a dream run with four consecutive wins in the season, while FC Goa have failed to register a win in their last two games. Both sides collectively have four hat-trick scorers of ISL in their team consisting, Chhetri, Miku, Coro (FCG) and Haokip (BFC).

FC Goa will be looking to enter the top four once again and Bengaluru FC would like to extend their lead at the top spot in the league standings.

Bengaluru FC

Bengaluru FC head coach Albert Roca seems to be quite happy with the current form of his side, but doesn’t want to take anything lightly as of now. As compared to reverse fixture result, he must be hoping to play cautiously and complete the game with all 11 men on the field. His only aim going into this game is to win and take home all three points in front of their home fans.

With no injury concerns in the side, we are expecting Edu Gracia to replace Dimas Delgado in the starting XI from previous game. He will continue to field his side in his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation to dominate the game in the middle of the park.

Bengaluru FC Probable Starting XI: Gurpreet; Khabra, Johnson, Juanan, Bose; Haokip, Paartalu; Gracia, Udanta, Chhetri; Miku.

FC Goa

FC Goa management have all the reason to be worried with the current position of their side in the league table. After remaining in top four for almost entire first half of the tournament, they are sixth during the business end. Assistant coach Derrick Pereira hinted that they will continue playing the similar style of attacking football.

With Seriton Fernandes available for selection, the only expected change is him replacing Cardozo in the starting XI from the previous game. Sergio Lobera will continue with his favoured formation of 4-2-3-1 going into this tough fixture and will hope to register a double over Bengaluru.

FC Goa Probable Starting XI: Kattimani; Das, Juste, Ali, Seriton; Jahouh, Bedia; Brandon, Lanzarote, Mandar; Corominas.

Prediction

Bengaluru FC 3-2 FC Goa

We are expecting a lot of goals in this match, as there are a number of players who can influence the game and find the proper opportunities to find the back of the net. However, Bengaluru, being in superior form should be able to see out the match in front of their home fans.