Two goals from Igor Angulo helped FC Goa to their first victory of Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2020-21 against Kerala Blasters FC in their last game, and the Gaurs will look to carry this momentum into their match against Odisha FC at Bambolim’s GMC Stadium on Saturday. On the other hand, Odisha are yet to register their first win of the season and find themselves against a side who have scored all their goals from open play this campaign. Ahead of the game, let’s take a look at some of the talking points that could influence the outcome in a big way.

Igor Angulo coming to the fore for FC Goa

Tied on top of the goal-scoring charts with Jamshedpur FC’s Nerijus Valskis, Igor Angulo has five goals in four matches for FC Goa. Taking over the mantle from Ferran Corominas, the Spaniard has arguably been the best player for the Gaurs so far, scoring five out of his side’s six goals. Angulo has a goal conversion rate of 41.66% which is the highest for any player in Hero ISL 2020-21 with more than two goals and six of his 12 shots were on target. His poacher’s instincts are evident with the fact that Angulo has attempted all his shots from inside the box.

Odisha need better starts to their matches

Winless this season with one draw and three losses, Odisha FC can put their misfortunes down to their slow starts this season. The club from Bhubaneswar have failed to score in the first half of any of their matches while conceding five goals at the same time. Stuart Baxter’s side have a lowly shot accuracy of 11.76 in the first half, having attempted only 17 shots in the first half with only two shots on target. Odisha FC will have to start creating chances and test the opposition right from the get-go.

FC Goa unable to keep clean sheets

FC Goa’s Ivan Gonzalez and James Donachie have been solid for the Gaurs this season, with a combined 32 clearances and 12 blocks between both the defenders. However, Juan Ferrando’s side is yet to keep a clean sheet this season. Although FC Goa have conceded five goals in four matches this season, only one of them has come from open play. The Gaurs have faced 40 shots in four games, which is the third lowest, while only 11 shots have been on target. The onus will be on the defenders to keep their first clean sheet of the season against a side struggling to score goals.