FC Goa moved up the gears to extend their unbeaten run to 11 games last time around against Odisha with a 3-1 win. The win also ended a run of 6 consecutive draws, meaning the Gaurs have now won 4 and drawn 7 of the last 11 games. 

On the other hand, Bengaluru FC come into the game rejuvenated and on the back two big wins. The Blues overcame table-toppers ATK Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City FC in back to back games, scoring 6 goals over the two games. 

A win for FC Goa inches them closer to a place in the semi-finals and keeps the reins of their fate in their own hands. Bengaluru, meanwhile, needs to win all their remaining games to stand a chance of making it into the playoffs.

With a lot at stake, it promises to be a pulsating encounter between the Gaurs and the Blues. So who can tilt the tide in FC Goa’s favour as they take on the Blues on Sunday evening? Here are our picks!

#1 Alberto Noguera

The midfielder continues to impress in the FC Goa orange, providing the Gaurs with creativity and flair in the final third. In the last game against Odisha, the Spaniard showed another dimension to his game, popping up into the box at the right moment to come up with his first goal of the season.

The Spaniard changed the momentum upon coming on in the second half in FC Goa’s first encounter with Bengaluru, helping the Gaurs overturn a two-goal deficit and inspiring them to a comeback. Juan Ferrando is expected again look upon him to play a vital role to overcome the Blues’ challenge on Sunday. 

#2 Saviour Gama

With an assist in the last game, the young left-back went to the top of the charts when it comes to assists by a defender in this season of the Hero Indian Super League. On Sunday, he is likely to renew a rivalry that first brought the eyeballs on him. 

Gama took on Udanta Singh in the ISL Final in 2019. The youngster was in choppy waters the opening few minutes before settling into his element as minutes wore by. And now on Sunday, eyes will be on him as he takes on the Indian international. 

The Gaurs will have a huge tactical advantage if he is able to get the better of the fleet-footed winger.

#3 Igor Angulo

Angulo announced himself in the Hero Indian Super League in his very fast game which was against Bengaluru FC. The forward scored a brace in the second half, showing exactly what he was all about as he first finished one with a clinical shot and followed it up with a poacher’s tap-in that needed improvisation. 

Since then Angulo has always been one name that has been at the top of the list in the race for ISL Golden Boot. And Juan Ferrando would like him to come up big yet again the Gaurs plot to take down the Blues.