FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan: The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi will host a blockbuster Indian Super League (ISL) clash between FC Goa and Mohun Bagan Super Giant on December 20, 2024. This encounter pits the table leaders, Mohun Bagan, against a high-flying FC Goa side currently in fourth place. Both teams bring strong form into the game, with FC Goa unbeaten in six matches and Mohun Bagan enjoying an eight-match unbeaten streak.

Head-to-Head

• Matches Played: 9
• FC Goa Wins: 3
• Mohun Bagan Wins: 6
• Draws: 1

Last Five Meetings

1. 14 Feb 2024: FC Goa 0–1 Mohun Bagan
2. 23 Dec 2023: Mohun Bagan 1–4 FC Goa
3. 18 Apr 2023: Mohun Bagan 0–1 FC Goa (Super Cup)
4. 28 Dec 2022: Mohun Bagan 2–1 FC Goa
5. 20 Nov 2022: FC Goa 3–0 Mohun Bagan

Current ISL Standings

FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Lineups

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

• Goalkeeper: Hrithik Tiwari
• Defenders: Boris Singh, Odei Onaindia, Sandesh Jhingan, Akash Sangwan
• Midfielders: Ayush Chhetri, Carl McHugh, Iker Guarrotxena, Dejan Drazic, Udanta Singh
• Forward: Armando Sadiku

Mohun Bagan (4-2-3-1):

• Goalkeeper: Vishal Kaith
• Defenders: Asish Rai, Tom Aldred, Alberto Rodriguez, Subhasish Bose
• Midfielders: Apuia, Sahal Abdul Samad, Liston Colaco, Dimitri Petratos, Manvir Singh
• Forward: Jamie MacLaren

10 Key Stats to Watch

1. Dominance in First Halves: Mohun Bagan wins 51% of first halves compared to FC Goa’s 44%.
2. Goals per Match: FC Goa averages 1.95 goals at home; Mohun Bagan averages 1.77 away.
3. Top Scorers:
   • FC Goa: Armando Sadiku (8 goals).
   • Mohun Bagan: Jamie MacLaren (4 goals).
4. Key Playmakers: Dimitri Petratos leads Mohun Bagan’s creative charge, while Iker Guarrotxena is crucial for Goa.
5. Recent Form: Both teams have four consecutive ISL wins.
6. Unbeaten Runs: FC Goa is unbeaten in their last six matches; Mohun Bagan hasn’t lost in eight games.
7. Goalscoring Minutes:
   • FC Goa scores 29% of their goals between minutes 31–45.
   • Mohun Bagan scores 32% of their goals in the same period.
8. Defensive Strength: Mohun Bagan has kept clean sheets in their last three matches.
9. Home and Away Records:
   • FC Goa: Unbeaten in five home matches this season.
   • Mohun Bagan: Unbeaten in their last four away matches.
10. Card Trouble: Odei Onaindia (FC Goa) and Subhasish Bose (Mohun Bagan) are on yellow card watch.

SWOT Analysis: FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan

SWOT Analysis: FC Goa

Strengths:

1. Attacking Firepower: Armando Sadiku (8 goals) is among the league’s top scorers, supported by creative players like Iker Guarrotxena and Dejan Drazic.
2. Recent Form: A four-match winning streak in the ISL and an unbeaten run of six games showcase strong momentum.
3. Home Advantage: Unbeaten at home this season, FC Goa thrives at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
4. Set-Piece Threat: Proficient in converting free kicks and corners into goals, leveraging their aerial prowess.

Weaknesses:

1. Defensive Vulnerability: Conceded 15 goals in 11 matches, often struggling to maintain clean sheets.
2. Yellow Card Concerns: Key players like Odei Onaindia are at risk of suspension due to accumulated cards.
3. Reliance on Key Players: Heavy dependence on Armando Sadiku for goals may leave them vulnerable if he is marked out of the game.

Opportunities:

1. Counter Mohun Bagan’s High Line: Exploiting gaps left by Mohun Bagan’s attacking fullbacks could open scoring opportunities.
2. Capitalize on Set-Pieces: With a disciplined approach, they can exploit Mohun Bagan’s occasional struggles defending dead-ball situations.
3. Crowd Support: A packed home stadium could provide a psychological edge.

Threats:

1. Mohun Bagan’s Winning Streak: The league leaders are in red-hot form and tough to break down.
2. Defensive Errors: Occasional lapses could be costly against Mohun Bagan’s clinical attack.
3. Injury Concerns: Any disruptions to their core lineup might weaken their chances.

SWOT Analysis: Mohun Bagan Super Giant

Strengths:

1. Defensive Solidity: Conceded just 10 goals in 11 matches, making them one of the league’s most compact teams.
2. Consistent Scoring: Scored in each of their last eight matches, highlighting their attacking reliability.
3. Strong Bench: Depth in the squad allows for impactful substitutions, such as Jason Cummings and Ashique Kuruniyan.
4. Experience in Big Matches: Proven ability to handle high-pressure situations, both home and away.

Weaknesses:

1. Over-reliance on Key Players: Dependence on Jamie MacLaren and Dimitri Petratos for goals and creativity may be a limiting factor.
2. Susceptibility to Quick Transitions: Vulnerable against teams that counter-attack rapidly, a strength of FC Goa.
3. Away Form: Despite being unbeaten in four away matches, they occasionally start slow away from home.

Opportunities:

1. Target FC Goa’s Defense: Exploit FC Goa’s occasional lapses, especially in transitions and under pressure.
2. Build on Head-to-Head Record: With five wins in their last nine meetings, Mohun Bagan has a psychological advantage.
3. Settle the Title Race: A win here would further cement their position at the top of the ISL standings.

Threats:

1. FC Goa’s Home Form: Goa’s unbeaten home record presents a major challenge.
2. Pressure from Title Aspirants: Dropped points could tighten the race at the top, adding external pressure.
3. Discipline Issues: Players like Subhasish Bose risk suspension, which could disrupt the backline.

FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Prediction

This match promises to be a closely fought contest between two in-form sides. FC Goa’s home advantage and attacking flair, led by Armando Sadiku, will test Mohun Bagan’s solid defense and clinical finishing. However, Mohun Bagan’s superior head-to-head record and recent consistency give them the edge.

Prediction: Mohun Bagan to win 2-1 in a nail-biter.

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