FC Goa brings 7-match unbeaten away streak to NEUFC

Guwahati, Jan 13: FC Goa will lock horns with NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on Tuesday. It will aim to extend their unbeaten away record in the league, while NEUFC will look to maintain their strong home form against the Gaurs.

NEUFC have been on a fine run, going unbeaten in their last four league games (W2 D2), scoring nine goals while conceding just three during that stretch. Meanwhile, FC Goa are on a seven-game unbeaten run away from home (W4 D3), matching their longest streak in the history of the competition.

NEUFC have won and lost twice each in their last seven home matches, with the other three matches being drawn. The home side are the highest scoring team in the ISL, scoring 30 times as Alaaeddine Ajaraie leads the attack for them by finding the back of the net 15 times. This shows that they have been competitive at home, but results have not consistently swung in their favour.

The Gaurs are fourth in the table with 26 points from 14 games, securing seven wins and five draws. The Highlanders follow them in fifth place, recording 23 points from 15 matches, securing six wins and five draws. FC Goa are not far behind in the goalscoring aspect with 28 goals and Armando Sadiku has scored nine of them.

Defensively, FC Goa and NorthEast United FC have also been fairly similar, registering 19 and 21 strikes respectively this season. Both these sides will be keen to strengthen their places in the top-6 with just six points separating sixth-placed Mumbai City FC (23) and ninth-placed Kerala Blasters FC (17).

NEUFC’s resilience at home

Home Run vs FC Goa: NorthEast United FC have scored in all eight of their home matches against FC Goa in the ISL, their longest such streak against any opponent. The Highlanders have spent 45.5% of their time leading matches this season, the joint-highest with Mohun Bagan Super Giant. Will they also ensure a sustained upper hand over the Gaurs in the upcoming match?

Points Dropped: The Highlanders have dropped 14 points from winning positions this season, the most of any team. The fact that they still find themselves in the playoff picture is a commendable feat, but also highlights a defensive flaw that the team needs to work toward addressing at the earliest.

FC Goa’s away dominance

Away form: The Gaurs have scored multiple goals in each of their last three away games, showing their attacking prowess. Averaging 5.1 shots on target per game this season, they have produced a formidable threat in the final third.

Manolo Marquez’s goal celebration: The team coached by Manolo Marquez has scored 27 goals in nine games against NorthEast United FC. That’s his highest total against any opponent, with his team scoring 3+ shots in six of those nine meetings. Is another goal party in store in Guwahati on Tuesday?