Bengaluru vs Goa: Bengaluru FC hosts FC Goa in a crucial Indian Super League (ISL) matchup on December 14, 2024, at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bangalore. Both teams are vying for critical points to consolidate their standings in the league. Bengaluru, currently leading the table, will aim to maintain their stronghold at home, while fourth-placed FC Goa, riding high on a winning streak, looks to bridge the gap.

Head-to-Head Overview

Bengaluru and FC Goa have shared a competitive rivalry over the years:

• Total Matches Played: 17
• Wins by Bengaluru: 7
• Wins by FC Goa: 5
• Draws: 5

Recent Form in Last 5 Meetings:

• 02 Nov 2024 (Super League): FC Goa 3-0 Bengaluru
• 14 Mar 2024 (Super League): FC Goa 2-1 Bengaluru
• 17 Jan 2024 (Super Cup): FC Goa 1-0 Bengaluru
• 25 Oct 2023 (Super League): Bengaluru 0-0 FC Goa
• 23 Feb 2023 (Super League): Bengaluru 3-1 FC Goa

Current ISL Standings

Bengaluru vs Goa Lineups

Bengaluru FC (4-3-3):

• Goalkeeper: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
• Defenders: Nikhil Poojary, Rahul Bheke, Aleksandar Jovanovic
• Midfielders: Suresh Wangjam, Pedro Luis Capo, Ryan Williams
• Forwards: Naorem Roshan Singh, Sunil Chhetri, Edgar Mendez

FC Goa (4-2-3-1):

• Goalkeeper: Hrithik Tiwari
• Defenders: Boris Singh, Odei Onaindia, Sandesh Jhingan, Jay Gupta
• Midfielders: Carl McHugh, Ayush Dev Chhetri
• Forwards: Udanta Singh, Armando Sadiku, Iker Guarrotxena

10 Key Match Stats

1. Bengaluru FC has remained unbeaten in their last nine home matches.
2. FC Goa is on a four-match winning streak in the ISL.
3. Bengaluru has not won any of their last three games against FC Goa.
4. FC Goa has scored in each of their last 13 matches.
5. Bengaluru’s home record this season: 5 wins, 1 draw, 0 losses.
6. FC Goa’s away record this season: 3 wins, 2 draws, 0 losses.
7. Sunil Chhetri and Armando Sadiku are the top scorers for their respective teams, with eight goals each.
8. Bengaluru scores 33% of their goals between the 76th and 90th minutes.
9. FC Goa scores 32% of their goals between the 31st and 45th minutes.
10. The most common scoreline in their meetings has been 1-2 in favor of FC Goa.

SWOT Analysis for Bengaluru vs Goa

Bengaluru FC

Strengths

• Strong Home Record: Unbeaten in their last 9 home matches, with a 5-1-0 record this season.
• Goal-Scoring Efficiency in Final Stages: Scores 33% of their goals between the 76th and 90th minutes, showcasing resilience and a strong finish.
• Sunil Chhetri’s Leadership: With 8 goals this season, Chhetri remains a talismanic figure, capable of influencing critical moments.
• Defensive Stability at Home: Conceded only 4 goals in their last 7 home meetings against FC Goa.

Weaknesses

• Recent Form Against FC Goa: Failed to win their last three encounters with FC Goa, scoring only once.
• Conceding Goals Regularly: Bengaluru has conceded a goal in each of their last six matches, indicating defensive lapses.
• Dependence on Key Players: Heavy reliance on Chhetri and Edgar Mendez for offensive output.

Opportunities

• Exploiting FC Goa’s Vulnerabilities in Defense: FC Goa has conceded in most of their matches despite their strong form.
• Leveraging Home Support: The Sree Kanteerava Stadium crowd can provide a morale boost.
• Momentum Builder: A win against a top-4 rival could solidify their lead in the league.

Threats

• FC Goa’s Away Form: Goa remains unbeaten in their last five away games.
• Opposition’s Winning Streak: FC Goa is on a four-match winning run, showcasing confidence and form.
• Key Players Fatigue or Injuries: A grueling ISL schedule could affect performance.

FC Goa

Strengths

• Recent Form: Unbeaten in the last five matches, including a four-match winning streak.
• Consistent Goal Scoring: Scored in all of their last 13 matches, highlighting attacking prowess.
• Key Players in Form: Armando Sadiku’s 8 goals and Iker Guarrotxena’s creativity have been instrumental.
• Balanced Away Record: 3-2-0 this season, showing their ability to perform under pressure.

Weaknesses

• Vulnerability in Defense: Despite their success, FC Goa has failed to keep clean sheets consistently.
• Reliance on Streaks: Momentum-based success might falter against a resilient Bengaluru side.
• Low Win Rate at Kanteerava Stadium: Managed only one win in their last seven visits.

Opportunities

• Exploiting Bengaluru’s Defensive Lapses: Bengaluru has conceded in their last six matches, an area FC Goa can target.
• Building on Psychological Edge: Dominated Bengaluru in recent meetings, including a 3-0 win earlier this season.
• Challenging for Top Spot: A win would close the gap on Bengaluru and strengthen their title aspirations.

Threats

• Bengaluru’s Home Advantage: A fortress-like performance at home could stifle their attacking rhythm.
• Late-Game Pressure: Bengaluru’s efficiency in the final minutes could pose a challenge if the match is close.
• Tactical Missteps: Dependence on offensive play could expose defensive frailties against counterattacks.

Bengaluru vs Goa Prediction

Both teams come into this clash with contrasting recent fortunes. Bengaluru’s strong home form gives them an edge, but FC Goa’s recent consistency, especially in away games, cannot be overlooked. Expect a closely fought battle with the midfield playing a crucial role.

Prediction: A 2-2 draw

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