SC East Bengal take on FC Goa on matchday 21 of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 season at the Tilak Maidan Stadium in Vasco da Gama, Goa.

The Red and Gold Brigade is yet to acquire their first three points in the new season. The Kolkata-based side has been inconsistent with their style of play and are struggling on various fronts to get their desired results.

FC Goa have not been upto their best standards in this season. Head coach Juan Ferrando has a challenging task to recover his team’s season after an unsatisfactory start to the campaign.

Both teams will feel this game is a chance to pick up their first win of the season but it will be easier said than done.

Form Guide

SC East Bengal

SC East Bengal sit in ninth place in the league table with two points. After sharing the spoils with Jamshedpur FC in their opening game, Manuel Diaz’s men went on to lose their next two games against ATK Mohun Bagan (0-3) and Odisha FC (6-4). The losses were followed by a 0-0 draw against Chennaiyin FC in their fourth game.

FC Goa

The Gaurs haven’t registered a single point in their opening three games and are at the bottom of the league table. The Gaurs lost 3-0 in their opening game of the season against rivals Mumbai City FC, they faced a 3-1 defeat against Jamshedpur FC in their second game, followed by a 2-1 loss at the hands of NorthEast United FC in their third game.

Team News 

SC East Bengal

The Kolkata-based side will be missing custodian Arindam Bhattacharja as Suvam Sen will continue to deputise for him until there’s a positive update on the former’s injury. Winger Jackichand Singh is also ruled out and there is no return date mentioned for him as of now.

FC Goa

Brandon Fernandes still remains out of action for the Gaurs.

Key Players

SC East Bengal

Daniel Chukwu: The Nigerian striker has already added two goals to his name in the Odisha FC game. A poacher by nature, the 30-year-old can make an instant impact in the game at any given moment, something opponents have to be vary of.

Tomislav Mrcela: Mrcela is a wall in the back for the Bengal side having made 12 clearances, six blocks, and three interceptions in four games. Known to also play as a ball-playing centre-back, the 31-year-old has a passing accuracy of 84.33%, pivotal in creating the game for SC East Bengal.

FC Goa

Edu Bedia: FC Goa’s skipper has been pivotal in the midfield and has a crisp passing accuracy. Known to break down the opposition’s attack, Bedia also provides line-breaking passes into the final third. He is undoubtedly FC Goa’s most valuable asset.

Jorge Ortiz: The Spanish forward is keen on creating chances for his team, something which will be of utmost significance for the Gaurs. With an assist in his first game, Ortiz is bound to have an impact on this team.

Key Stats

FC Goa’s misery with set-pieces

The Gaurs’ nightmare with set-pieces continues in this season too as they have conceded five goals from set pieces in three matches, the worst record in the Hero ISL 2021-22 season along with their upcoming opponents SC East Bengal. 

SC East Bengal’s leaky defence

Manuel Diaz’s men have to heavily improve their defence this season as they have conceded the most goals (10) as well as the most shots (67) this season. A composed backline can pave the way to better results for the Red and Gold brigade

Head to Head Record

Neither side have won against each other, with both their last meetings ending in a 1-1 stalemate.

Match Timings and Telecast Details

Match: SC East Bengal vs FC Goa

Date: 07 December 2021

Venue: Tilak Maidan Stadium, Vasco da Gama, Goa

Kick-off time: 7.30 pm

Telecast: Star Sports 2, Star Sports 2 HD, Star Sports 3, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 1 Hindi HD, Star Sports 1 regional channels - Tamil, Bengali, Kannada, Telugu

Online Streaming: Disney+Hotstar and JioTV.