Tuesday’s Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2018-19 clash will see the league’s joint-worst defence come face to face with the best attack at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium in Pune. FC Goa are returning to action after nearly a two-week layoff, but they will be expected to be their usual attacking self. FC Pune City, on the other hand, have momentum on their side after claiming just their second win of the season away to Kerala Blasters.

FC Pune City

It had to go all wrong before it finally went right for the Stallions. In the midst of a dismal season full of disappointments and heartbreaks, the win against Kerala Blasters helped shake off some of the criticism and instil much needed confidence in many of the players. However, a playoff place still looks a far bet with nine points separating them from FC Goa in fourth place.

Despite recording their first clean sheet of the season in Kerala, defence is arguably the most concerning area for Pune. And with the likes of Ferran Corominas and Edu Bedia visiting them next, the FC Pune City defence could do with a helping hand from their midfielders, if they want to stop the free-scoring Gaurs.

The top end of the pitch hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for the Stallions either. A combined 10 goals from 11 matches so far is not near good enough for a side hopeful of making the playoff. Iain Hume’s presence will be an encouraging sight for the Pune fans knowing that Goa’s defence can be gotten at if done with precision and speed.

Here’s a look at Pune’s season in numbers.

FC Goa

The Gaurs have been in terrorizing attacking form this season, scoring more than two goals on an average this season. A long break after their last encounter in the league has seen them slip to fourth in the standings, although they remain on course for a place in the final four.

Central to Goa’s rise has been the staggering form of Corominas. The Spaniard is the joint-highest goal-scorer in the league so far, while his five assists is also the joint-most by anyone. To add to that, the silky forward has a tendency of finding the net against the Stallions with four goals from two games against them.

Another key component in the Goa armoury is their deep-lying orchestrator Ahmed Jahouh. The Moroccan plays a vital role in controlling the tempo of his side with most attacks starting from him. However, the Gaurs’ defence needs to be steadier and less susceptible to counter-attacks.

Here’s a look at Goa’s season in numbers.

Probable line-ups:

FC Pune City: Kamaljit Singh (GK), Ashutosh Mehta, Matt Mills, Martin Diaz, Sarthak Golui, Adil Khan, Jonathan Vila, Ashique Kuruniyan, Iain Hume, Marcelo Pereira, Robin Singh

FC Goa: Mohammad Nawaz (GK), Seriton Fernandes, Mourtada Fall, Chinglensana Singh, Carlos Pena, Ahmed Jahouh, Lenny Rodrigues, Brandon Fernandes, Edu Bedia, Jackichand Singh, Ferran Corominas

DID YOU KNOW?

  • FC Goa have scored 8 goals in their last 2 matches against FC Pune City.
  • FC Pune City have kept the joint-lowest number of clean sheets in the league.
  • With a goal conversion rate of 16.66%, FC Goa are the most lethal team in the league.

FANSPEAK

Which forward will prove to be the difference on Tuesday?

  • Ferran Corominas
  • Marcelo Pereira

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.