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

by Chittu Shetty January 29, 2021

FC Goa is set to face off against SC East Bengal in an exciting clash at the Fatorda Stadium in Margao, Goa today as the ISL action heats up in the second half of the season.

With thirteen matches played so far, FC Goa is currently placed in the third position on the ISL standings and have accumulated 20 points. Their opponents SC East Bengal are down below in the tenth position with a points total of 12 after the same number of matches.

We take a look at three important battles that will play a key role in shaping up the result of the match.

1. Igor Angulo vs Scott Neville

SC East Bengal’ Aussie import will be backed to take on the deadly FC Goa striker Igor Angulo who is the top scorer so far in the ISL with nine goals. The Spanish forward playing his debut season has made an impact with his clinical movement and finishing. He has been fairly quiet in the recent matches and hence, will be raring to get back to his scoring form. Scott Neville has been a key figure in the SC East Bengal defence and has a no-nonsense style of play. He will be the key man in the Red and Gold’s backline to stop the strike force of Goa.

2. Jorge Ortiz Mendoza vs Matti Steinmann

The two crucial midfielders for both the sides will have a battle for control of the game in the middle. Both Mendoza and Steinmann are potential goal scorers as well as having picked up a few through the course of their debut campaigns. Steinmann is the connect between the SC East Bengal defence and midfield and regulates the flow of their play. Mendoza is slightly on the attacking end and will be making the key passes and runs, which Steinmann will hope to ward off.

3. Seriton Fernandes vs Narayan Das

FC Goa’s young defender Seriton Fernandes has been impressive in the backline playing a key role in making FC Goa the third-best defence in the ISL so far. They have only conceded 13 goals in as many matches of the competition. He plays on the right flank and will be tasked with making runs up and down the wings. Similarly, Narayan Das will be the left-back for SC East Bengal. He has been in and out of the side but has done well recently to retain his place. The battle between the two full-backs will be a key one to watch out for in this high-octane clash.