Playoff-seeking Kerala Blasters welcome FC Goa, looking for their third consecutive win in ISL 2024-25, for an entertaining battle.
KBFC vs GOA Match Details
Date: Thursday, 28 November 2024
Time: 19:30 (IST)
Venue: Kaloor Stadium, Kochi
KBFC vs GOA Match Preview
After suffering three consecutive losses in the ISL to Bengaluru FC, Mumbai City, and even Hyderabad FC, Kerala Blasters managed to find their feet against Southern rivals Chennaiyin FC by registering a 3-0 victory. The Tuskers dominated almost the entire game at Kaloor stadium with their top-scorer Jesus Jimenez, Noah Sadaoui and substitute Rahul KP getting on the scoresheet in the second half. A morale-boosting win for Mikael Stahre’s side who not only recovered from their poor form but also reduced the deficit with the top-five spot to just one point. However, picking a string of wins will be tested in a challenging schedule with FC Goa, rivals Bengaluru FC and leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant to face in the next three games. Among them, Goa will be their visitors in the second-last home game of the year. Blasters are sensing an opportunity having not lost this fixture at Kochi since 2018 and winning the last two against the Gaurs here. The host made a sensational comeback in the previous meeting by overturning a 2-0 deficit with a fierce second-half display but they will want a more controlled win this time.
Coming from behind, FC Goa registered a 2-1 win over Punjab FC with Armando Sadiku and Iker Guarrotxena scoring to replace the 13th-minute lead given by Asmir Suljic. Having won just once in their first five games, Manolo Marquez’s side has picked up back-to-back wins in the last three matches indicating a change of air. As a result, the Gaurs hold the final spot for the playoffs taking 12 points from eight games. They carry the same points as fifth-placed Odisha FC and the two teams beneath them, Chennaiyin FC and Jamshedpur FC. Kerala Blasters and Mumbai City are also not far off to capitalise on any chance of a fall-off. FC Goa are in a tight race to maintain their position so the trip to Kochi next will be significant. A win against the Blasters will lift them to fourth spot and two points away from the top spot. With Hyderabad FC, Bengaluru and Mohun Bagan to take on before the end of the year, three more points will be crucial.
Recent Form
KBFC: WLLLW
GOA: WLDWW
KBFC vs GOA Predicted Lineups
Kerala Blasters
Sachin Suresh; Sandeep Singh, Ruivah Hormipam, Milos Drincic, Huidrom Singh; Vibin Mohanan, Freddy Lallawmawma; Rahul KP, Adrian Luna, Noah Sadaoui; Jesus Jimenez
FC Goa
Hrithik Tiwari; Boris Thangjam, Odei Onaindia, Sandesh Jhingan, Aakash Sangwan; Sahil Tavora, Ayush Chhetri; Mohammad Yasir, Iker Guarrotxena, Dejan Drazic; Armando Sadiku
KBFC vs GOA Head-to-head
Played - 20
KBFC won - 5
Drawn - 4
GOA won - 11
KBFC vs GOA Dream11 Team Top picks
Captain Pick: Noah Sadaoui
Vice-captain Picks: Armando Sadiku, Iker Guarrotxena
KBFC vs GOA Dream11 Team Suggestion
GK: Sachin (Cr - 7)
DEF: Onaindia (Cr - 8), Drincic (Cr - 8), Sangwan (Cr - 6.5)
MID: Boris (Cr - 7.5), Guarrotxena (Cr - 8.5), Luna (Cr - 8.5), Sadaoui (Cr - 8)
FW: Drazic (Cr - 8), Jimenez (Cr - 8.5), Sadiku (Cr - 8.5)
Vice-captain: Armando Sadiku
Captain: Noah Sadaoui
Kerala Blasters vs FC Goa Match Prediction
Despite Blasters’s resurgence in the last game, FC Goa looks to be a more agile side to take three points in this battle even though the former have a home advantage. We predict a 2-1 win for the Gaurs.
