Goa, February 1, 2022: The month of January did not go well for FC Goa, but it is a thing of the past now. It is a new dawn, in a new month, and the Gaurs will look to rekindle their playoff hopes when they lock horns with Odisha FC later on Tuesday.

It is easier said than done, however. The team from Goa are currently in ninth place on the Indian Super League (ISL) points table and mathematically, have only a slim chance of making it to the top-four.

As long as the mathematical probability stays, the Gaurs can continue to hope. They do have a good team that has done a lot of things right on the pitch so far this season, although they do not have enough points to show for it. In their upcoming match, they will once again look up to a host of players who could steal the show and give FC Goa a much-needed win.

1. Ivan Gonzalez

The Spaniard returned to action for the Gaurs last Friday, and immediately went about to prove how much they missed his services in the previous games. Jamshedpur FC had just one shot on target throughout the game, and that was mostly due to the efforts of Ivan Gonzalez and Co. in defence.

With four tackles and four interceptions, the 31-year-old made the most defensive contributions among FC Goa defenders against JFC. He also won four out of the five challenges he made, completed 42 passes and made one big chance.

When the Goan outfit face Odisha, they will come across the likes of Jonathas de Jesus, Javi Hernandez, Aridai Cabrera and Jerry Mawihmingthanga who have all done well in attack. Among them, Jonathas and Javi are the most dangerous and FC Goa will rely a lot on Gonzalez’ form to keep them at bay.

2. Brandon Fernandes

FC Goa have missed many key players due to injury throughout their ongoing campaign – but none more than Brandon Fernandes. The midfielder finally returned to action last week, and made his first start of the season on Friday against JFC.

Immediately after, the Indian international went about proving what the Gaurs lacked in his absence. In 82 minutes, Fernandes created three chances, the most by any midfielder in the match.

Throughout their ongoing campaign, the Gaurs have found it tough to put the ball in the back of the net. This is where the 27-year-old factors in, as he can make important chances for his teammates with some killer passes.

3. Edu Bedia

The 32-year-old ex-Barcelona man was one of the best players on the pitch for FC Goa against Jamshedpur FC. The midfielder also did well in their previous game against Bengaluru FC.

Everyone knows Bedia’s qualities – he rarely makes a wayward pass, creates good chances with quick forward balls, and also occasionally takes shots himself. He had two shots on target against JFC, and also created another big chance.

Winning the midfield battle could be a job half-done for the Gaurs against Odisha FC, and Edu Bedia’s form is going to play an important role there. Odisha’s midfielders will find it tough to contain him, who will receive ample support from the likes of Brandon Fernandes and Alberto Noguera to then carry the ball further forward.