Free-scoring Goa clash with unbeaten Bengaluru in crunch tie

Two of the most dominant sides in Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2018-19 will go up against each other when FC Goa host Bengaluru FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on Thursday. Both teams have hit the ground running this season and have established themselves as the early favourites to clinch the title. Three points in this match may prove crucial in the race for the top spot and expect both teams to go all-out for the win.

The two teams squared off against each other twice last season and claimed one win each. The matches have also accounted for nine goals.

FC Goa

The Gaurs have been in scintillating form this season while going forward. They have scored a whopping 21 goals in their seven matches so far and central to their attacking exploits is talismanic striker Ferran Corominas. The Spaniard is the frontrunner for the Golden Boot this season with eight goals to his name. With the likes of Edu Bedia, Ahmed Jahouh, Jackichand Singh and Hugo Boumous also in top form, the Gaurs have, at times, looked unstoppable in the opponent's attacking third. Coro scored a hat-trick against Bengaluru in this fixture last season, which Goa won 4-3.

Sergio Lobera's attacking style of football, however, has its drawbacks too. Goa have let in 12 goals this season, which is the most conceded by any team currently in the top half of the table. Despite their dodgy defence, the Gaurs have managed to outscore their opponents on most occasions and currently top the table with 16 points from seven matches.

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

Bengaluru FC

Bengaluru are undefeated in the Hero ISL 2018-19 so far and have accumulated 13 points from their five matches. The Blues have also managed to score ten goals this season. While their attacking numbers aren't quite as impressive as the Gaurs, Bengaluru also possess the meanest defence in the league. They have conceded only four goals so far – the least by any team. A big reason behind their tight defence is the partnership between Albert Serran and Juanan at the back.

A big worry for Bengaluru going into the match was Sunil Chhetri’s ankle injury, which kept him out of India’s friendly against Jordan on November 18. However, it seems like the talismanic striker has recovered and will be available for the match. At the pre-match press conference, Bengaluru head coach Carles Cuadrat confirmed that the 34-year-old is training with the team and will be a part of his plans for the Goa match. Chhetri has scored four of Bengaluru's ten goals this season and his partnership with Miku up front has been instrumental to Bengaluru’s dominant displays this season.

Here’s a look at Bengaluru’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

Bengaluru FC: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK), Rahul Bheke, Albert Serran, Juanan, Nishu Kumar, Erik Paartalu, Dimas Delgado, Harmanjot Khabra, Sunil Chhetri (C), Udanta Singh, Miku

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