FC Goa– the 2018/19 ISL runners-up and 2019 Super Cup winners- return this season as one of the early title favourites. Under the Spanish tactician Sergio Lobera, the Gaurs have put up a great display of attacking football in the previous two seasons, with a strong focus on building from the back and maintaining possession. This year they would be eager to go one step further and win the elusive champions title.

SQUAD

• Retained all their core players from last season
• Pretty balanced squad with quality options in almost each position
• In’s: Aiban Dohling (Shillong Lajong), Seiminlen Doungel (Kerala Blasters), Amey Ranawade (Mohun Bagan)
• Out’s: Zaid Krouch, Laxmikant Kattimani (Hyderabad FC), Nirmal Chhetri (Released)

PRE SEASON RESULTS:

TACTICAL SYSTEM

• Most likely to play a 4-2-3-1 formation
• Likes to maintain possession and play a passing game- an average of 531 .23 passes per game in the ISL last term (Northeast United was 2^nd best with 452.75 passes per game)
• Often builds up from the back; goalkeeper Nawaz is excellent with his distribution
• Central midfield players usually drop deep to receive balls and switch to the flanks 

Expected lineup (4-2-3-1): Nawaz; Seriton- Fall- Aiban- Mandar ©; Jahouh- Lenny; Jacki- Edu- Brandon; Coro

KEY PLAYERS:

1. CORO  (FW)                                                                                       

• FC Goa’s talismanic striker returns for his 3^rd season in India
• Outstanding record of 34 goals from 40 games across 2 seasons
• Scored 7 goals from 5 matches in pre-season including a hat-trick against Dempo
• Shot accuracy of 61%
• Strengths: Predatory finishing, excellent link-up play

 Shots and xG plot.

2. AHMED JAHOUH (CM)

• Midfield general
• Key to FC Goa’s buildup play from the back
• Most passes per game among all players in ISL 2018-19 (85.52)
• Also instrumental at breaking down opposition attacks

Most tackles among all players in ISL 2018-19 (5.5 tackles per game)

AHMED JAHOUH  RADAR PLOT

SportsKPI WILD CARD PLAYER

Aiban Dohling (CB)

• Ex- Shillong Lajong defender
• Was one of the stand-out players during a disappointing 2018/19 season for Shillong
• Has been performing well in pre-season with his smart and aggressive defending
• Could form a formidable centre-back pairing alongside either Fall or Pena

SEASON PREDICTION

• Playoff Possibility: Almost Certain
• Good chance of going on to win the title this time

Article from our Football Analyst – Mishal Thanveer.