When a statistic related to FC Goa's excellent home record against Kerala Blasters was brought up during the pre-match media interaction, coach Manolo Marquez shrugged it off.He said the statistics were good for journalists, while admitting he checked the record himself. Goa's last home loss against the Blasters was seven years ago. Relying on statistics and history can be dangerous when the two top teams of the Indian Super League (ISL) clash at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Sunday. Goa is a completely different side now. "More compact," as defender Seriton Fernandes suggested, while Kerala Blasters have proven they can be as good as anyone even with players missing through injuries and suspensions."Maybe it's one of those teams that's different when they play away and at home, where the atmosphere is really nice because of the crowd," Manolo told TOI. “In Adrian Luna, Kerala has one of the top three players in the ISL. He is a complete player, not only in attack but a leader on and off the field. Ivan (Vukomanovic) is a very competitive coach. He is very important to this team. He has a great ability to manage this group and convince many players even when they are missing.The list of those who have missed games for Kerala Blasters is long. Jackson Singh, Aibanbha Dohling, Prabir Das, Milos Drinksic, Freddy Lallavma and Marko Leskovic were all out for long spells, yet Kerala did enough to top the table.As Manolo pointed out, the table should not be taken at face value. Some teams played only four matches, others eight."Once teams have played 10-12 games over Christmas, I think it's a good game to gauge how teams are doing. Now it's too early," said the experienced Spanish coach.At least the first impressions of Manolo in Goa are impressive. After being the most consistent team, Goa failed to qualify for the playoffs two years in a row. The club later brought in an ISL-winning coach from Hyderabad FC, and while they haven't really set the league on fire, the team's ability to grind out results even in less than satisfactory games has been impressive.Sixteen points from the first six games is an excellent return. If you look at the stats - never mind Manolo's reaction - Goa conceded just three goals and kept three clean sheets. They are also among the teams that have created the most scoring chances in the league. Vukomanovic has also performed well in Kerala Blasters. Now in his third season, he has been their most successful coach, guiding the team to the final in 2022, where they lost on penalties against Manolo's Hyderabad in Fatorda.Now they are facing each other again on the same stage. "The acquaintance between the coach and I dates back to the last two seasons, where our encounters displayed extreme competitions, always focused on a single goal and intense tactical battles," Vukomanovic said. "Expectations for our match are high and expect a clash between two quality competitive teams, especially in the attacking department."
What is at stake?
FC Goa
Marquez has got the right people to unleash his ideas on the pitch with FC Goa taking the most shots (76) from inside the box among all teams this season. With the presence of Odei Onaindia and Sandesh Jingan creating a significant aerial threat from set pieces, the team averaged three headed shots in ISL 2023-24, the most of any team. Whether it comes from some of the free-flowing passing moves synonymous with Marquez or a ruthless efficiency from free-kicks and corners, their variety of ways to test opponents has been the inevitability of their successes so far. Combining the experience of the likes of Brandon Fernandes and Noah Sadaoui with the youthful unpredictability of Jay Gupta, FC Goa have ticked all the boxes to build the best ISL team. Up against them is the Kerala Blasters unit and a win here will not only boost the morale of the Gowris, but will also give tone and hope to all the teams lining up to face them next.
Kerala Blasters F.C
Like FC Goa, Kerala Blasters FC have the amazing luxury of banking multiple creative forwards to address their goalscoring needs. Vukomanovic was delighted to have Kwame Pepra join the party in the 3-3 draw against Chennaiyin FC in the last match. While captain Adrian Luna led their charge bravely, other players like Dimitrios Diamantakos, Danish Farooq and Pepra were consistent in producing collective and cohesive winning efforts. That has led the team to record the best difference between expected goals (9.38) and actual goals scored (13) (+3.62 xG value) this season. The addition of Pritam Kotal strengthened their backline and produced a clear result, with the former Mohun Bagan Supergiant player registering the most interceptions (16) of any player in the league so far. With great synergy between all departments in the team, Kerala Blasters FC is guaranteed to come out strong in this clash with the hosts.
Key players
Jay Gupta (FC Goa)
The 22-year-old has locked in 1.33 interceptions and clearances in the 2023-24 ISL, in addition to making 2.1 tackles and scoring and assisting each. The fullback was a live wire on the left and was emerging as the best revelation in the league. Jay Gupta has shown immense attacking prowess and although he is a hard worker defensively, he has averaged one dribble per game in six matches so far. Luna will look to capitalize on any of Gupta's weaknesses at the back of the pitch, so this match-up presents an interesting dilemma for the FC Goa youngster. Will he compromise his attacking prowess to keep things clean at the back? Only time will tell.
Adrian Luna (Kerala Blasters FC)
Adrian Luna has recorded three goals and four assists in eight appearances this campaign as the Uruguayan international has been on top of his game since the start of ISL 2023-24. He has created three goal-scoring chances in every game and is the focal point of Kerala Blasters FC's inspired attacking moves that have led to regular, impressive results. The 31-year-old attempted the most crosses (45) in the ISL and recovered possession 39 times in the middle and final third. moving Luna will have to lend a hand at both ends of the pitch and be the leader his players look to if they fall behind at any stage of the match.