FC Goa vs Hyderabad FC – 3 Key Battles to watch out for

by Chittu Shetty December 29, 2020

FC Goa are set to take on Hyderabad FC in their ninth match of the ongoing Indian Super League 2020-21 season to be held behind closed doors at the Tilak Maidan in Vasco Da Gama, Goa.

Over the course of the eight matches in the ISL, FC Goa have won three, lost three and drawn two matches. They are placed on the sixth spot in the ISL standings with eleven points in their tally. Next up, the Gaurs will take on Hyderabad FC in the final match of the year 2020 with an aim to go into the new year on a positive note.

We take a look at the three key battles that will have a big impact on the result of the match.

1. Saviour Gama vs Ashish Rai

Two talented young Indians who have been impressing with their performances this season are Saviour Gama and Ashish Rai. Both of them have put in marauding runs on the wings contributing well in both defence and attack.

Gama has been able to add an added dimension to the FC Goa attack with his overlapping runs on the flanks. On the other end, Rai has been responsible for adding stability to the Hyderabad FC defence. The two youngsters have slowly and steadily turned into key players for their respective sides. Now, with the two teams facing off, the two youngsters will be up against each other in a battle of the full-backs.

2. Jorge Ortiz Mendoza vs Hitesh Sharma

Spanish midfielder Jorge Ortiz Mendoza has been a huge revelation for the FC Goa side already this season. With his creative play in the middle of the pitch, he has regulated the tempo of the Goan side’s attack. His key passes have been highly beneficial for the frontline with the large number of chances created.

On the other end, Hitesh Sharma has been effective with his gritty play in the centre of the midfield. With his relentless running and ability to go into 50-50 tackles, he has worked well alongside Joao Victor for the Nizams.

3. Igor Angulo vs Aridane Santana

FC Goa’s Igor Angulo is the leading goalscorer in the competition with eight goals in eight matches of his debut ISL season. After a gap of two matches, Igor Angulo got back his scoring touch with two goals against Jamshedpur FC. His injury time goal secured the win for the Gaurs after he had opened the scoring with a well-taken penalty.

The Nizams too have a goal-poacher, Aridane Santana in their ranks to counter the FC Goa threat. With his strong physical presence, Santana is a key man in the Hyderabad FC setup. He has scored four goals and leads the scoring charts for the team.

In a battle of two strong strikers, the clash between FC Goa and Hyderabad FC will be a thrilling encounter to bring an end to the ISL’s 2020 matches.

For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football

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