With the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) season is entering the final stage of the league, FC Goa’s upcoming clash against ATK Mohun Bagan on Tuesday at Athletic Stadium, Bambolim will be a do-or-die contest for them.

With six matches remaining for ATK Mohun Bagan have ensured a stable platform with 26 points in their kitty but final touches are still required to seal the fate. A win will tie them on points with league leaders Hyderabad FC.

On the other hand, FC Goa’s chances have looked bleak with only 18 points in the bag in 16 matches. A loss here could very well mean the end of the season for the Gaurs in the race for qualification.

Head to head

FC Goa are still searching for their first win over ATK Mohun Bagan as they have lost twice and drawn once in their match-up in the Hero ISL.

Form Guide

FC Goa: LDLDW

So far, the plan to restore the season has not gone according to desires for the Gaurs, however, their last match against Chennaiyin FC (0-5) showcased glimpses of what they are capable of achieving in the remaining matches.

ATK Mohun Bagan: DWDWW

A monumental comeback under Juan Ferrando’s coaching has seen the Mariners remain undefeated in their last 10 matches. Recently, they have secured two consecutive wins, including the noteworthy 2-1 win over table-toppers Hyderabad FC.

Read: Juan Ferrando, the mastermind in ATK Mohun Bagan’s comeback

Team News

ATK Mohun Bagan’s Carl McHugh, Roy Krishna and Hugo Boumous are recovering well from their respective injuries but a call on their inclusion will be taken before the game after consulting with the medical team.

ATK Mohun Bagan head coach Ferrando also spoke about Sandesh Jhingan who made his return in the last match. But the Spaniard suggested that he will decide on the degree of his inclusion depending on the type of plan he uses in the next match against FC Goa. It seems unlikely that Jhingan will play the full ninety minutes.

Key Players

FC Goa

Jorge Ortiz: He scored his first-ever hat-trick in FC Goa’s 5-0 win over Chennaiyin in the last match, to help the team record their biggest win of their season. Ortiz has been crucial to FC Goa’s success this season, contributing to 52.2% of the total goals they have scored this season (23).

Ivan Gonzalez: The defender has made 55 tackles this season with 37 clearances and 28 interceptions while winning 100% of his aerial duels.

ATK Mohun Bagan

Joni Kauko: Kauko delivered a Hero of the Match worthy performance against NorthEast United FC. He scored a goal and provided an assist in his 72 minutes on the pitch that has made a strong case for him to feature in the starting XI.

Liston Colaco: The young Indian striker has been a consistent performer for the Mariners upfront with seven goals and two assists.

Key Stats

Merits of scoring first

Both teams have never lost after scoring the first goal in a match this season. ATK Mohun Bagan have won 4 and drawn 4 of their 8 games after scoring first. FC Goa have won 4 and drawn 2 of their 6 games after scoring first.

Open play battle

FC Goa have conceded 12 goals from set-piece situations this season, the second-most by any team. Though, ATK Mohun Bagan have scored the joint-fewest set-piece goals in Hero ISL 21-22 (6).

Match timings and telecast details

Match: FC Goa vs ATK Mohun Bagan

Date: February 15, 2022

Venue: Athletic Stadium, Bambolim

Kick-off time: 7.30 pm IST

Telecast: Star Sports Network

Online Streaming: Disney+Hotstar and JioTV.