Table-toppers FC Goa will face their toughest test yet in the Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2018-19 when they host Bengaluru FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on Thursday. The free-scoring Gaurs have scored 21 goals in their seven matches so far but will be up against a well-organized Bengaluru side, who have the best defensive record this season.

A day prior to the blockbuster clash, Goa head coach Sergio Lobera attended the pre-match press conference and took questions from the media. Lobera began by labelling his opponents the 'best in the league'. "I think we are facing the best team in the league. I believe tomorrow's match, for us, is a big challenge. I don’t think the next match will be the one that will determine the league but I think it is a good chance to get three points at home and gain some advantage," he said.

Lobera also urged his players to prove themselves against their tough opponents. "Regardless of tomorrow’s result, I think we have to be a team that needs to be fighting at all times for the title. But tomorrow is a good opportunity for us to prove to everyone that we are a very strong side who can beat Bengaluru, which I consider the best team in the competition," he added.

Goa's Ferran Corominas has arguably been the best player in the Hero ISL this season and the Gaurs have certainly reaped the rewards of the Spaniard’s wizardry in front of goal. Lobera, however, suggested that it hardly comes as a surprise, given his quality. "We all know he is a very good player. Also, we knew from last season that he is a very good player in a very good team. I think Coro is a player with enough experience to handle pressure," he said.

One of Goa’s strengths this season has been the consistency in Lobera’s team selection. When asked if fatigue could creep in later in the campaign as a consequence of playing the same players, Lobera said, "I think we need all players from the squad and my role as a coach is to find the right moment and know when to play each one of them."

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