Gaurs look to extend their 5-game unbeaten streak against a resurgent Kerala
GOA: FC Goa will look to step on the gas as the Hero Indian Super League heads into the final straight. The Gaurs look like a team who has found its groove – winning 3 of their last 5 and currently on a 5-game unbeaten streak. Juan Ferrando’s men, though, haven’t let go of their characteristic of delivering late, or as many would put it, delivering when it matters the most.
The Gaurs left it late yet again against ATK Mohun Bagan – mounting yet another impressive comeback after falling behind to an Edu Garcia strike, with substitute Ishan Pandita popping up with yet another important goal for his team.
This time around though, nothing less than a victory will do for the Men in Orange, as they aim to keep the pressure on those above them in the ISL table.
As we look ahead to this game, here are 10 things you should know about this high-profile clash:
- Kerala Blasters custodian Albino Gomes has conceded the most goals per game so far in the ISL, with 1.8 strikes past him. His numbers will have to improve as he comes up against a potent attacking threat.
- Jorge Ortiz has been one of the most influential FC Goa players recently, and it is no surprise that he leads the ISL charts when it comes to successful dribbles per game (2.8), completing 65% of them.
- Kerala Blasters forward Facundo Pereyra leads the way for his side when it comes to the most key passes in a game, with 2.9 to his name. This number is the highest between the two teams contesting this game and second overall in the ISL this season.
- FC Goa midfielder Alberto Noguera has four assists to his name this season and is now just one behind the league leader and former Gaur Hugo Boumous. He could have a say once again in this big game.
- Gary Hooper may be the key man for Kerala against FC Goa and his stats seem to suggest he will indeed be dangerous. Hooper has created 6 big chances so far, which is the second-highest in the ISL this season, and the most for his team.
- The Gaurs take an average of 15.4 shots on goal per game – the highest in the league. Juan Ferrando’s men also hit the target on 40% of those occasions. Only Bengaluru has better accuracy, although they take only 10.2 shots on goal on average.
- Gaurs skipper Edu Bedia leads the way in the ISL for passing accuracy, with 63.5 accurate passes per game (86% of his attempted passes). His Spanish compatriot Ivan Gonzalez is second on the charts with 56 per game. Both are expected to play a part in this crucial clash.
- FC Goa has had 64% ball possession so far per game on average, which is more than any other team this season in the league. That possession will need to translate into goals as this game rolls around.
- FC Goa forward Igor Angulo is the outright highest goal scorer in the league this season and has scored a goal every 98 minutes this campaign, a mark that is better than any other player throughout the competition.
- Ball possession and passing remains the hallmark of FC Goa’s gameplay. No one passes the ball more than FC Goa in a game. The Gaurs average 536 passes per game while having an accuracy of 85% – also the best in the league.
