FC Goa at ISL 2023-24: Can Goa grab top spot of Indian Super League table?

Add as a preferred source on Google

FC Goa are currently in pole position to grab the topper’s place in the Indian Super League table. As the second half of the ISL 2023-24 season is about to start, they are sitting in 2nd position in the table.

However, Goa are only 2 points behind the table toppers Kerala Blasters having played 2 fewer games than them. They are also the only team in the league to finish the first half of the ISL 2023-24 season with an unbeaten streak.

Head coach Manolo Marquez’s lead has been extremely effective for the side. Indian players have especially flourished under the Spanish coach who is only in his first season at the club. The most noteworthy part has been their defence.

Their backline including one of the league's best centre-back pairings - Sandesh Jhingan and Odei Onaindia has only conceded 5 goals in 10 games. That's the least number of goals conceded by any teams in the league so far.

However, their Achilles heel has been their offense. With 16 goals, they have scored the least number of goals among the top 5 teams in the league. Victor Rodriguez has been their biggest asset with involvement in 6 goals.

The new arrival of Borja Herrera can work wonders for them. The prolific midfielder has a good relationship with coach Marquez as they have already worked together twice before. Herrera can bring in the firepower needed to drive their attacks.

Even if that doesn't work, Sir Alex Ferguson’s words can still ring true - “Attack wins you games, defence wins you titles.” FC Goa still have the chance of winning the shield if they can hold the form they already have.

Their most challenging games in the 2nd half of the ISL 2023-24 will be against Odisha FC on February 9, against Mohun Bagan on February 14, against Kerala Blasters on February 25, and against Mumbai City on February 28.