FC Goa will look to reclaim their winning touch when they host Delhi Dynamos FC in Match 31 of the Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2018-19 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa. Delhi, on the other hand, will be seeking their first victory of the season, which continues to elude them even after seven matches.

If history is something to go by, expect some fireworks in this post-Diwali encounter. The Gaurs and the Lions have faced each other 10 times in the past and these matches have accounted for a whopping 35 goals.

FC Goa

After being held to a 2-2 draw by NorthEast United FC in their season opener, Sergio Lobera's men went on to register three back-to-back wins in their next three matches, firmly establishing themselves as one of the favourites this season. However, the streak was brought to an abrupt halt at the Furnace after Goa slumped to a 4-1 loss against Jamshedpur FC. The Gaurs will be eager to shrug off the disappointment with a win against the Lions on Thursday.

Goa have scored an impressive 15 goals so far at an average of three per game. Six of these have come from the talismanic Ferran Corominas, who currently tops the Hero ISL goal-scoring chart along with NorthEast United FC's Bartholomew Ogbeche. The Spaniard was suspended for Goa's defeat against Jamshedpur and his absence was evident throughout the match. Miguel Fernandez, who replaced Coro against Jamshedpur, had 16 touches in the attacking third but managed zero attempts on goal. Lobera will be glad to welcome his star striker back for the match against Delhi and only a brave man would bet against him finding the net, especially considering his scoring record at home. 12 of Coro's 22 goals in Hero ISL league stage have come at home. Goa's midfield, featuring the likes of Edu Bedia, Jackichand Singh, Hugo Boumous and Ahmed Jahouh, has the creative spark necessary to carve open any defence and can also pitch in with a few goals.

With all their prowess going forward, the Gaurs have looked shaky at the back, especially in the match against Jamshedpur. Lobera's side has conceded a total of nine goals in their five outings this season. However, it's not something entirely new for a side which traditionally relies on outscoring their opponents rather than sitting back to defend.

Here’s a look at Goa’s current season in numbers:

Delhi Dynamos FC

With four draws and three losses in their seven matches so far, Delhi are still looking for their first victory of the campaign. The Lions are in the middle of, what possibly is, their worst start to a Hero ISL season so far and Josep Gombau's men will need to turn things around quickly if they want to keep their chances of making it to the playoffs alive.

The team has struggled both in attack and defence, scoring just five and letting in twice as many. The side-back positions have been a concern for Delhi this season and may become a major area of vulnerability against the Gaurs, who excel in stretching the play.  In fact, seven out of Goa's fifteen goals have come from crosses.

However, Gombau and Co. can take heart from their gritty second-half performance against Jamshedpur in their last match. The Lions were 1-0 down at half-time but came out swinging after the break. With Lallianzuala Chhangte leading the charge, Delhi not only equalised but also managed to take the lead. They were eventually denied a victory courtesy a late Tiri goal, but the performance was definitely something the team can look to build upon.

Here’s a look at Delhi’s current season in numbers:

PROBABLE LINE-UPS:

FC Goa: Mohammad Nawaz (GK), Chinglensana Singh, Mourtada Fall, Seriton Fernandes, Mandar Rao Dessai (C), Hugo Boumous, Ahmed Jahouh, Lenny Rodrigues, Edu Bedia, Jackichand Singh, Ferran Corominas

Delhi Dynamos FC:  Albino Gomes (GK), Rana Gharami, Marti Crespi, Narayan Das, Pritam Kotal (C), Marcos Tebar, Rene Mihelic, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Shubham Sarangi, Nandhakumar Sekar, Andrija Kaludjerovic, Adria Carmona

DID YOU KNOW?

• Out of the 79 attempts on goal by Goa this season, 15 have come from Coro.
• Goa have the best goals/game ratio in the Hero ISL this season.
• Delhi are unbeaten at Goa in their last two visits (Won 1, Drew 1).

FANSPEAK

Which player will have the biggest impact on this match?

• Ferran Corominas
• Lallianzuala Chhangte

Have your say in the comments section below. 

Catch the match live on the Star Sports Network, Hotstar and Jio TV from 7:30 PM.