FC Goa and Hyderabad FC lock horns in their most important match of the 2020-21 Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) at the Fatorda Stadium on Sunday. Why? Because the result of this match will reveal the identity of the fourth semi-finalists who will join the likes of Mumbai City FC, ATK Mohun Bagan and NorthEast United FC in the top four. Both teams have showed tremendous form of late and if truth be told there is nothing much to choose between them. Ahead of the encounter, let’s take a look at some of the talking points that could influence the outcome of the match in a decisive way.

No lack of motivation in either camp

Hyderabad FC know very well that the only way they can reach the semis is by beating FC Goa. Any other result will end in heartbreak for them on Sunday. While FC Goa may be in a better position and may just need a draw to advance to the next round, they know they are up against a team that is good in both attack and defence and won’t take things lying down. So, fans can expect FC Goa to take an aggressive approach and go for nothing less than three points. Since, there will be no lack of motivation in either camp, it promises to be a match-up of the highest order where no inches will be given by either of the participants.

Angulo has his own reasons to step up

Angulo has been FC Goa’s highest goal-scorer this season with 13 goals and now he is only one behind ATK Mohun Bagan’s Roy Krishna. So, the match gives him a big opportunity to get on level terms with Krishna. And nothing like it if he could lead his team into the semis. He had scored late in the reverse fixture to seal a 2-1 victory for the Gaurs, and that will be at the back of his mind. And that’s another matter of encouragement for him to excel against Manuel Marquez’s men. And he has the quality to prove the difference yet again for the Gaurs this season.

Marquez vs Ferrando, spotlight on head coaches too

Both the head coaches are in their first Hero ISL season and both know what winning the trophy can do. Yes, not only will they become beloved figures for their respective fans, it will also add to their credentials no end. Neither team has ever won the Hero ISL and both men must be fully aware of that fact. None will want all their good effort so far to go in vain at the last hurdle of the league stage and exit the league without having a go at the prestigious trophy. Ferrando’s FC Goa are known for playing attacking football, while Marquez’s Hyderabad FC like to maintain balance in defence in attack. The stage is all set and with no clear favourites, the match has all the makings of a classic.