FC Goa holds an enviable position of being the only unbeaten team in the ISL with 8 wins and 4 draws in their 12 matches. With the tantalizing prospect of dethroning the current league leaders Odisha FC with a victory, FC Goa finds itself on the precipice of glory, eyeing the coveted League Winners Shield. But if there’s one team that could shatter all the would-be, it is the defending champions FC Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
What’s the head-to-head record?
In recent encounters, Goa has edged out Mohun Bagan, with 2 wins out of 3. But overall, the Super Giant has been the superior side over the years.
Played – 7
FC Goa – 2
Mohun Bagan Super Giant – 4
Draws – 1
Who has the upper hand?
Having played the same amount of games as Goa, Mohun Bagan started the season as a force to be reckoned with, pocketing win after win against strong teams, and they seemed to be cruising to the playoffs. While they still are, they’ve been tamed to an extent, with two out of their three losses coming recently in a row, before playing out a draw against East Bengal. But with a convincing win against Hyderabad, they are right back on track and could pose problems for the flamboyant Goa.
The game will be played at FC Goa’s home ground Fatorda, which adds to the team’s already high chances of finding themselves at the top of the table. But with Goa missing two main players in Sandesh Jhingan and Victor Rodriguez, the latter having scored in their previous 4-1 encounter at Mohun Bagan’s home, they could look to stop Goa’s emphatic run, and Mohun Bagan could see themselves in a great position not only for the playoffs but for the League Winners Shield.
The battle of two of the best teams of this year’s ISL promises an enthralling and closely-fought encounter. The spirited defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant will look to extend their winning streak to replicate the start of their season, while Goa will look to play their natural attacking game and not give anything away to remain unbeaten. Who will prevail? Only time will tell.
Image Credits @mykhel
