FC Goa lock horns with ATK on Saturday in a top of the table clash at the Hero Indian Super League (ISL), with the Gaurs eager to tighten their grip on the first spot.
Following a morale-boosting victory over NorthEast United FC last time out, FC Goa are filled with confidence, whilst ATK would want to improve on their apartment display against Kerala Blasters in their previous match.
The stage is set for an exciting experience, and here are 10 things that fans should know before the action kicks off in Kolkata.
0 — The Gaurs are yet to win any game away at Kolkata. In 6 previous meetings against ATK in the City of Joy, FC Goa have been able to muster up 5 draws with the only defeat coming on 22nd November 2015, when they came out on the wrong end of a 4-0 scoreline.
4 — In 14 encounters between the two sides in most competitions, both teams have been victorious in 4 games each. 6 games between the sides have ended in draws which include both legs of the semi-finals in 2014.
5 — Last year’s goalless draw against ATK in the corresponding fixture was the only time that Coro has failed to score in a game against the Red and White. The Spaniard has scored in 5 of the 6 games played.
6 — FC Goa is now on a 6-game unbeaten streak against ATK in all contests. The Gaurs have won 4 of the previous 6 encounters with their last defeat against ATK coming on 24th November 2016.
6 — Hugo Boumous’ tally of 6 chances created from the Gaurs’ triumph over ATK earlier this year is the greatest for any FC Goa participant in one game this season.
13 — ATK duo Roy Krishna and David Williams have scored 13 of ATK’s 21 goals. Their contribution rate for a pair (62%) is second only to Kerala Blasters’ Bartholomew Ogbeche and Messi Bouli — that have contributed to 75% of the Blasters’ goals.
50 — The game against ATK will see two of FC Goa’s biggest stalwarts, Coro and Ahmed Jahouh play their 50th ISL game — all in the colors of the Gaurs.
80.6 — After his attack against NorthEast United, Ferran Corominas leads the table concerning minutes per goal contributions. The Spaniard contributes a target every 80.6 minutes, just ahead of Hugo Boumous, who contributes a goal every 80.9 minutes.
332 — Joby Justin’s aim in FC Goa’s victory over ATK earlier this season is the only goal that FC Goa has conceded in the previous 332 minutes of actions between the two sides.
7000 — Mandar Rao Dessai will become the first player to play 7000 minutes in the Indian Super League when he takes to the field against ATK.
