With the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) season nearing its end, FC Goa’s forthcoming match against ATK Mohun Bagan on Tuesday at Athletic Stadium, Bambolim would be a must-win for them.
ATK has six matches remaining. Mohun Bagan have set a solid foundation with 26 points, but the finishing touches are still needed to secure the deal. With a victory, they would be level on points with league leaders Hyderabad FC.
FC Goa’s chances, on the other side, have been gloomy, with only 18 points in 16 matches. A defeat here might spell the end of the Gaurs’ season in the fight for qualifying.
Head-to-head
FC Goa are still searching for their first win over ATK Mohun Bagan as they have lost twice and drawn once in their match-up in the Hero ISL.
Form Guide
FC Goa: LDLDW
So far, the plan to restore the season has not gone according to desires for the Gaurs, however, their last match against Chennaiyin FC (0-5) showcased glimpses of what they are capable of achieving in the remaining matches.
ATK Mohun Bagan: DWDWW
A monumental comeback under Juan Ferrando’s coaching has seen the Mariners remain undefeated in their last 10 matches. Recently, they have secured two consecutive wins, including the noteworthy 2-1 win over table-toppers Hyderabad FC.
Team News
ATK Mohun Bagan’s Carl McHugh, Roy Krishna and Hugo Boumous are recovering well from their respective injuries but a call on their inclusion will be taken before the game after consulting with the medical team.
ATK Mohun Bagan head coach Ferrando also spoke about Sandesh Jhingan who made his return in the last match. But the Spaniard suggested that he will decide on the degree of his inclusion depending on the type of plan he uses in the next match against FC Goa. It seems unlikely that Jhingan will play the full ninety minutes.
Key Players
FC Goa
Jorge Ortiz: He scored his first-ever hat-trick in FC Goa’s 5-0 win over Chennaiyin in the last match, to help the team record their biggest win of their season. Ortiz has been crucial to FC Goa’s success this season, contributing to 52.2% of the total goals they have scored this season (23).
Ivan Gonzalez: The defender has made 55 tackles this season with 37 clearances and 28 interceptions while winning 100% of his aerial duels.
ATK Mohun Bagan
Joni Kauko: Kauko delivered a Hero of the Match worthy performance against NorthEast United FC. He scored a goal and provided an assist in his 72 minutes on the pitch that has made a strong case for him to feature in the starting XI.
Liston Colaco: The young Indian striker has been a consistent performer for the Mariners upfront with seven goals and two assists.
Key Stats
Merits of scoring first
Both teams have never lost after scoring the first goal in a match this season. ATK Mohun Bagan have won 4 and drawn 4 of their 8 games after scoring first. FC Goa have won 4 and drawn 2 of their 6 games after scoring first.
Open play battle
FC Goa have conceded 12 goals from set-piece situations this season, the second-most by any team. Though, ATK Mohun Bagan have scored the joint-fewest set-piece goals in Hero ISL 21-22 (6).
Match timings and telecast details
Match: FC Goa vs ATK Mohun Bagan
Date: February 15, 2022
Venue: Athletic Stadium, Bambolim
Kick-off time: 7.30 pm IST
Telecast: Star Sports Network
Online Streaming: Disney+Hotstar and JioTV.
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