FC Goa stand a chance to break into the top four with a win over Hyderabad FC in Match 43 of Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2020-21 at the Tilak Maidan Stadium in Vasco on Wednesday. Hyderabad lost their last two matches while the Gaurs got the better of Jamshedpur FC in their last encounter. Clearly, Hyderabad will be the more desperate side of the two come Wednesday, and ahead of the game, let’s discuss some factors which could play a big role in influencing the outcome. 

Angulo has been Goa’s main force this season

With eight goals in as many games, Igor Angulo has been Goa’s main attacking threat in the final third. Hyderabad FC’s defensive duo of Odei Onaindia and Chinglensana Singh will need to be at their best against a striker who is in supreme form. Angulo has scored 80% of FC Goa’s goals this season; the remaining two have come off the boot of Jorge Ortiz Mendoza. Getting his name on the scoresheet will be crucial as the Gaurs have not lost any of the five matches in which Angulo has scored.

Hyderabad lack the clinical touch in front of goal

Hyderabad’s attack has been heavily reliant on Aridane Santana, and the Spaniard has not scored in their last two games. In total Hyderabad have scored only six goals and have scored multiple goals in only one match this season – in their 3-2 win over SC East Bengal. Manuel Marquez’s side have failed to make the most of their opportunities and this was mirrored in their loss to Kerala Blasters FC in their last game. Only Odisha FC and SC East Bengal have scored fewer goals via open play this season than Hyderabad FC.

Young Yasir has been Hyderabad’s creative spark

Hyderabad have lost their way after a bright start but the form of Mohammed Yasir in Hero ISL 2020-21 is encouraging for them. Yasir has created the most chances (12), completed the most crosses (7) and made the most pre-assists (2) for a Hyderabad player in Hero ISL 2020-21. 22-year-old Yasir has attempted 12 shots, however, none could yield a goal. And this is where he has to improve. He missed a sitter against Mumbai City FC and will need to improve his shooting ability to establish himself as a well-rounded product.