BHUBANESWAR: In seven previous encounters against FC Goa in the Indian Super League (ISL), Odisha FC are yet to win a game against the Gaurs. FC Goa have won five times and two games have ended in draws.
Odisha FC will be hoping to end this jinx when these two teams, front runners for Playoffs spots face each other in a crunch encounter at the Kalinga Stadium on Monday. Odisha FC and FC Goa are at the bottom end of the playoff zone.
The teams are separated by three points, and the winner will establish a much-needed cushion -- but the loser could potentially fall behind a resurgent Bengaluru FC side that is prowling at the edge of the battle for sixth.
As the business end of the season is well and truly here, Odisha FC will yearn for the form they displayed during the first half. The Juggernauts won six out of their first eight Hero ISL games this season. However, in their previous eight matches, they have one win.
Last week, they shared the spoils with Chennaiyin FC in a tightly-contested 2-2 draw. Diego Mauricio is a goal away from taking his season's goal tally to double digits. The Brazilian has scored four goals in the last four games, cementing his place in the starting lineup.
FC Goa have scored a lot of goals in the last two games. Iker Guarrotxena's hat trick helped the Gaurs defeat East Bengal FC 4-2 last week. The Spaniard is still the league's top scorer and is in line to start the game against Odisha FC.
New signing Hernan Santana could be in the squad as well. The Spaniard has been roped in to replace the injured Marc Valiente. The Gaurs also signed Nikhil Prabhu from their next opponents, while Princeton Rebello has gone the other way.
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