Hyderabad, Dec 3 (NationPress) The G.M.C Balayogi Athletic Stadium is set to host Manolo Marquez’s FC Goa, who are in great form, as they challenge Hyderabad FC, who are striving to end their two-game losing streak. This thrilling encounter in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 is scheduled for Wednesday.

Marquez previously led Hyderabad FC to victory in the ISL Cup during the 2021-22 season and is now on a mission to restore the glory at FC Goa. The Gaurs have had a revitalizing season so far, achieving four wins and three draws out of nine matches, accumulating 15 points and currently sitting in sixth place in the standings, bolstered by three consecutive wins. In contrast, Hyderabad FC finds itself in 11th place with only seven points, having secured two wins and one draw from nine games.

FC Goa approaches this match following a hard-fought 1-0 triumph against Kerala Blasters FC, while Hyderabad FC suffered a similar loss against Mumbai City FC. Both teams will be eager to clinch a victory, with a strong focus on Marquez due to his previous association with Hyderabad FC.

This season, Hyderabad FC has not yet celebrated a victory in their home stadium, having lost all three matches played there so far. Nevertheless, the team has shown signs of improvement lately and will be keen to deliver a performance that will excite their home supporters, encouraging them for the remainder of the season.

Up to this point, Hyderabad FC has conceded three goals from set pieces, which is the joint-highest among all teams alongside Odisha FC and NorthEast United FC. In stark contrast, FC Goa has yet to concede from a corner.

FC Goa has adopted a proactive approach this season, averaging 161.1 forward passes per match—almost 19 more than Hyderabad FC’s 141.9. This indicates that the Gaurs are keen to penetrate the opposition’s defense whenever they gain possession, as evidenced by their 17 goals scored thus far.

FC Goa has triumphed in their last two encounters against Hyderabad FC, maintaining clean sheets in both matches. A win on Wednesday would match their record for the longest winning streak against this opponent in the league. Additionally, the Gaurs have a chance to secure consecutive clean sheets in away matches for the first time since October-November 2023.

Hyderabad FC’s coach Thangboi Singto remarked that his team has been enhancing their offensive capabilities and expressed hopes that similar efforts will yield positive results against FC Goa.

“I am not overly concerned with statistics, but the numbers indicate that our entries into the box were significantly higher during our matches against Mohammedan SC and Kerala Blasters FC. This suggests we need to penetrate the opposition’s box more frequently. We possess creative and speedy players who can create opportunities and score; that is our goal for tomorrow,” Singto stated.

FC Goa’s head coach Manolo Marquez urged his squad to remain grounded despite their recent successes and to focus on one match at a time to enhance their chances of achieving favorable results.

“When you win three games in a row, people label you as the best, and when you lose three consecutively, it’s ‘Go home, go back to your country.' This is football; we must not get carried away when we win or become too disheartened when we lose. Currently, we are in a good position with nine consecutive points in this highly competitive league. It’s tough, but we must persevere, stay focused, and prepare,” Marquez commented.