Bengaluru FC vs FC Goa preview, prediction, telecast details, and more for the ISL 2023-24 clash
The fifth matchday of the 2023-24 Indian Super League (ISL) is on the horizon, as Bengaluru FC are set to host FC Goa at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Wednesday, October 25.
The Blues have had a mixed start to their season, as they suffered two defeats in their opening two games on their travels. Their games against Kerala Blasters FC and Mohun Bagan SG unveiled areas in need of improvement as Simon Grayson tinkered with his starting lineup and formation in the hope of securing a result.
However, there was a turning point in the subsequent match against East Bengal FC, where the return of Sunil Chhetri helped Bengaluru FC find the right balance, resulting in a hard-fought 2-1 victory.
The team has traditionally leaned on their strong home form during Simon Grayson’s tenure, and he mentioned the importance of that support during the pre-match press conference.
"We enjoy playing here and we like the support behind us. It’s a two-way thing. We bounce off the supporters, and the players do. And we want the supporters to bounce off the performance from the players."
On the other hand, FC Goa has been in exceptional form since their defeat in the Durand Cup semi-finals to Mohun Bagan SG. They made significant investments during the summer, which have already begun to pay off, with the team currently sharing the top spot alongside Mohun Bagan SG after securing three consecutive victories.
Although their results have been favorable, FC Goa’s play haven’t been at their best, and the new signings are still adapting. Head coach Manolo Marquez will certainly hope for improved performances, especially with a busy schedule ahead.
In a pre-match press conference, Marquez expressed his belief that the team performs better under pressure, but he also emphasized his desire for the Gaurs to control the game from the very start.
"In terms of results, this cannot be better. The team seems to be playing better when we are losing, when we are under pressure, and there seems to be a need to show that we can play good football. We have enough quality to avoid such situation."
Bengaluru FC vs FC Goa: Team News
Bengaluru FC will welcome back both Naorem Roshan Singh and Suresh Singh Wangjam after their suspensions. They now have a fully-fit squad ahead of their clash against the Gaurs.
Meanwhile, FC Goa face a significant setback as Noah Sadaoui will be unavailable for the match due to an injury he suffered prior to the last game.
Bengaluru FC predicted lineup: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK), Namgyal Bhutia, Slavko Damjanovic, Aleksandar Jovanovic, Parag Shrivas, Roshan Singh, Rohit Kumar, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Javi Hernandez, Curtis Main, Sunil Chhetri.
FC Goa predicted lineup: Arshdeep Singh (GK), Seriton Fernandes, Odei Onaindia, Sandesh Jhingan, Jay Gupta, Rowllin Borges, Carl McHugh, Udanta Singh, Victor Rodriguez, Brandon Fernandes, Carlos Martinez.
Bengaluru FC vs FC Goa: Telecast and Live streaming details
The clash between Bengaluru FC and FC Goa will be broadcast live on Sports18 and VH1, while it will be live-streamed on the JioCinema app from 8:00 PM on Wednesday, October 25.
Bengaluru FC vs FC Goa: Prediction
Bengaluru FC are back after a two-week break, which would have given Grayson and his team time to reflect on the areas they need improvement, and for the new signings to settle into the set-up.
The break has already proven beneficial for teams in the bottom half of the table, and the Blues are optimistic that it will equally benefit them.
However, the significant development is the absence of Noah Sadaoui, a factor that will influence FC Goa’s playing style. While Victor Rodriguez did a solid job filling in for Sadaoui last game, the Gaurs will miss a match-winner.
This presents an opportunity for Bengaluru FC to capitalize and exploit the Gaurs on the counter-attack, a part of the game that has posed difficulties for Marquez’s team.
Prediction: Bengaluru FC 1-1 FC Goa.