Winless Odisha face tough challenge against Goa
Odisha FC will aim to bag their first win of the Hero Indian Super League Season 7 as they square off against FC Goa at the GMC Stadium, here on Saturday.
The Bhubaneshwar-based outfit lie in the bottom half of the table and are winless after four games while FC Goa, placed sixth, head into the contest on the back of a win.
Stuart Baxter’s side have struggled at both ends of the pitch so far. Upfront, their attack has appeared blunt, failing to score in three out of their four matches so far. They are also yet to register a clean sheet this season and have not been able to start games strongly, conceding 5 goals in the first half – most by a team in ISL 7.
FC Goa striker Igor Angulo, joint-top scorer so far this Hero ISL, will hope to add to his tally against a leaky Odisha defence.
The problem for Baxter has also been watching his team being dominated by the opponents they have faced so far. And against an FC Goa side that has the highest average possession by any team this season (58%), Baxter knows another big challenge lies ahead for his side.
“The striker (Angulo) has been scoring goals and that’s always a problem,” the Englishman said. “The rest of the team..they have a set way of playing and they stick to it. It’s important (that) you don’t allow them to gain too much momentum. We have to be a constant threat and ought to be able to deal with them properly. They’re one of the better teams and in that way, they deserve our respect.”
Meanwhile, the Gaurs will have their sights set on a goal-fest. Apart from Angulo, the likes of Jorge Ortiz Mendoza, Brandon Fernandes and Edu Bedia will have a big role to play. Juan Ferrando’s side will also have their eyes set on their first clean sheet of the season.
“When we are working in training, it’s important to control a few details in transitions and keep improving. We are working a lot,” said Ferrando. “I’m so happy about the defensive aspect because the team is good but sometimes, it’s necessary to (keep) the intensity in defense. We need to be more aggressive.”
The Gaurs beat Odisha in both their meetings last season and come Saturday, they will be hoping to extend that winning streak.
Courtesy – ISL Media
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: Alexander Romario Jesuraj: Professionalism paving the way for the youngster from Dindigul
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football.
RFDL’s National Championship Preview: A Heated Battle as Football’s Brightest Stars Vie for Title Win in the Final Four Showdown
The National Championship of the elite U-21 youth tournament, the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) begins on May 14, Tuesday, with four teams, i.e. defending champions Bengaluru FC, Muthoot FA, East Bengal…
Punjab FC, East Bengal FC to lock horns in Reliance Foundation Development League 2023 – 24 final after emerging triumphant in semis
Bengaluru FC and Muthoot FA to fight out in the third-place playoff Mumbai, May 14: Punjab FC and East Bengal FC qualified for the final of the Reliance Foundation Development League…
RFDL is the ultimate scouting platform – Thangboi Singto, Hyderabad FC Head Coach
Hyderabad FC head coach, Thangboi Singto, hailed the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) as the premier scouting ground for budding football players in India. As the 2023-24 season’s National Championship…
A beautiful dream will come to an end on June 6, says Sunil Chhetri
BHUBANESWAR: The journey that began in 2006 in the faraway city of Quetta in Pakistan, will finally come to an end in Kolkata on June 6, 2024, after an eventful 19…
Big brother, wonderful human being, the GOAT: Chhetri an inspiration to teammates
BHUBANESWAR: As the Indian senior men’s team gathered in the Kalinga Stadium gym for their session on Thursday morning, there was a hush in the room. Less than an hour ago,…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…