The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 action will resume after the international break with East Bengal FC taking on FC Goa at the Kalinga Stadium on Saturday, October 21, 2023.

FC Goa secured a nail-biting 3-2 victory over Odisha FC in their previous match whereas Carles Cuadrat and his men were edged past 2-1 by Bengaluru FC in Matchweek 3. The two teams will be eyeing promising results in this game after beginning their respective campaigns fairly strongly so far.

What’s at stake?

East Bengal FC

The Red and Gold Brigade have accumulated a win, draw, and loss each in their three games until now. Despite performing impressively, they need to garner more points moving forward and Cuadrat will be well aware of that being an ex-ISL champion himself. (Read more: Harmanjot Khabra Speaks - Cuadrat's Mentality Is A Big Positive For East Bengal FC)

FC Goa

Manolo Marquez has gotten his team playing football his way and their relentless spirit in successfully chasing the winner until the last minute against Odisha FC displayed that. Away from home, this is a fantastic opportunity for them to build on that success and not take their foot off the gas. (Read More: Udanta Singh Speaks: I've always admired FC Goa, they have one of the best cultures and fans)

Key Players

Naorem Mahesh Singh (East Bengal FC)

Naorem Mahesh Singh is one of the most developed Indian attackers lately, having already scored once in this campaign. His gameplay on the flank and ability to create goal-scoring opportunities make him a definite offensive threat for the Gaurs.

Raynier Fernandes (FC Goa)

The 27-year-old is donning an advanced role under Marquez and has already bagged an assist in their opening game of the season. Raynier’s widespread vision with the ball at his feet always keeps the opposition’s backline on their toes.

Head-to-Head

Played – 6

East Bengal FC – 1

FC Goa – 3

Draws – 2

Trivia: East Bengal FC defender Mandar Rao Dessai represented and led FC Goa previously.

Team Talk

“We have played nine official games (in all competitions) until now this season. We have lost only two games, but these two games, the final of the Durand Cup and the game in Kanteerava, we needed to get something out of those games. For me, as a coach, that’s room to improve on. If you are getting better chances, if you are not conceding a lot of chances, you need to close the game and take a minimum of one point,” East Bengal FC head coach Cuadrat spoke about his major learning from the campaign until now.

“Maybe, 15-20 years ago, the difference between playing at home and away was too much. But now, I think more or less all the teams played the same style both at home and away. Of course, we prefer to play in front of our fans. But now, I think that we wouldn’t have to change too much in this aspect. I am very optimistic about this. I repeat from the first day that this season will be a very good season,” Marquez touched upon FC Goa playing their first away fixture of this ISL season.

Where to Watch

Viacom18 is the new home of Indian football and the match between East Bengal FC and FC Goa will kick off at 5:30 PM on October 21, 2023. Fans across the country can catch the action in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Malayalam. Fans can watch the action on linear channels like Sports18 Khel (Hindi), Sports18 1 SD & HD (English), VH1 SD & HD (English), Surya Movies (Malayalam), DD Bangla & Colors Bangla Cinema (Bengali). In addition to this, as part of FSDL’s partnership with OneFootball, ISL live streams and highlights of all matches of the upcoming 2023-24 season will be delivered across more than 190 countries.

ISL Fantasy

Top Picks & Players to Watch Out

Cleiton Silva (8.1cr)

Has notched two goals in three appearances in ISL 2023-24

Naorem Mahesh Singh (7.2cr)

Scored once in three matches this season so far

Jay Gupta (4cr)

Bagged the winner in the added time of the match against FC Goa

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