FC Goa are all set to lock horns with SC East Bengal on Matchday 10 of the ISL. The face-off between the perennial contenders and the ISL newcomers takes place at the Tilak Maidan in Vasco Da Gama, Goa.
SC East Bengal Preview
ISL debutants SC East Bengal have had a pretty dismal start to their campaign. However. they managed to add some spark to their otherwise drab season when they clinched a win over Odisha FC.
The 3-1 victory marked their first-ever win in the competition. Robbie Fowler's side saw three different goalscorers in the form of Anthony Pilkington, Jacques Maghoma, and Bright Enobakhare.
With buoyed spirits from their first-ever ISL win, the Red and Golds will be raring to go against FC Goa. They will aim to use the momentum for a better showing in the second half of the season.
FC Goa Preview
FC Goa recovered from their consecutive losses against ATK Mohun Bagan and Chennaiyin FC in a spirited fashion. They clinched identical 2-1 wins over Jamshedpur FC and Hyderabad FC, putting up impressive performances.
Head coach Juan Ferrando will be pleased with his side's showings in the recent fixtures, and will aim to build on them. With three wins in their last five ISL matches, the Gaurs are in contention for a playoffs spot, as they head into the second half of the competition.
Igor Angulo has been the star of the show for the FC Goa side, thanks to his poacher's instinct in front of the goal. With his lethal movement and clinical finishing, the Spanish striker has scored nine goals in as many matches.
SC East Bengal vs FC Goa Prediction
SC East Bengal and FC Goa will face each other for the first time in the ISL. Both sides come into this clash on the back of wins in their respective last matches.
With highly experienced overseas signings and a talented group of Indian players in their ranks, both sides will be determined to get the win at the Tilak Maidan.
In a battle between eastern and western football powerhouses of India, we can expect a good exchange of attacking end-to-end play on the pitch. Goa have been the more consistent of the two sides and should be expected to grab the win.
Prediction: SC East Bengal 1-2 FC Goa