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Bengaluru FC and FC Goa will cross swords with each other at the Mumbai Football Arena on 17th February for the coveted Hero ISL 2018-19 title. The two sides met each other twice in the group stages of the tournament and, FC Goa came second best both the times.
The ISL final isn't about revenge for Sergio Lobera's side. It is about taking the coveted trophy which has alluded them for the past four years. FC Goa reached the playoffs thrice in the previous four editions of the tournament but couldn't get the job done a single time.
Bengaluru FC, on the other hand, only joined the competition an edition back and have topped the table in both the occasions. In the summit clash, these five players will have a say whether the title will swing in Bengaluru FC's or FC Goa's favour.
#5 Coro (FC Goa)
Ferran Corominas is the most deadly striker in the Indian Super League this season. Having already scored 16 goals and 7 assists in 19 matches, the former La Liga veteran has ample experience in India.
FC Goa's previous two group losses against Bengaluru FC can be attributed to the fact that the Spaniard didn't register a single shot on target. But, Coro knows how to get his way through the Bengaluru FC defence. In the 2017-18 season, he scored the first hat-trick of the tournament as FC Goa defeated the Bengaluru side 4-3. Then, the back four comprised of Harmanjot Singh Khabra, Albert Serran, Juanan, and Rahul Bheke.
In the finals, Nishu Kumar might replace Khabra in the back of the line but that shouldn't alter Coro's ambitions. If he gets ample chances to take a shot, Coro would annihilate the opponent. Bengaluru FC defenders should hope that the case doesn't arise.
#4 Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (Bengaluru FC)
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is expected to be the busier of the two goalkeepers if Coro gets his way through on Sunday. However, the 27-year-old lanky goalkeeper knows what to do in these pressure situations and expect him to bring his A-game against FC Goa.
Having a staggering 75.64 save percentage, Gurpreet has played all but one match for Bengaluru FC this season and kept 6 clean sheets. He is only behind Amrinder Singh in the 'Golden Glove' race of producing the most number of saves, having prevented the ball from crossing the line 59 times.
Another trait of Gurpreet which FC Goa need to keep an eye on is his pinpoint long balls. The front three of Miku, Sunil Chhetri, and Udanta Singh are all quick and if they outrun their marker, Gurpreet might also become the first goalkeeper to register an assist in the 2018-19 season of ISL!
#3 Miku (Bengaluru FC)
The Last time Bengaluru FC and FC Goa crossed swords, the latter headed into the tournament as heavy favourites. After all, they had five consecutive clean sheets in their bag and, Bengaluru FC was without Sunil Chhetri as he was rested for the fixture.
Things went from bad to worse for the Blues as Nishu Kumar was sent off in the first half itself. However, what the pundits and fans didn't take into account was Miku's influence. In 45 minutes, he reminded Bengaluru FC of what they missed and, FC Goa had to face the brunt of it.
The Venezuelan might have only 5 goals and 4 assists to boast of, but that is because he has played only 11 matches. Even if FC Goa manages to curtail his danger, he opens up space for Udanta Singh and Sunil Chhetri. And, both the players have been in prolific form this season.
#2 Mourtada Fall (FC Goa)
FC Goa had conceded 28 goals in the group stages 2017-18 season, the highest among the top six teams. Sergio Lobera knew that he needs to change personnel in the heart of the defence and brought in former Moghreb Tetouan man Mourtada Fall.
Having already been familiar with the gaffer, Mourtada Fall took some time to settle in the Indian conditions. Their season started on a similar note to that of the previous season but once the teams resumed themselves after the winter break, their defence had a newfound vigour in them. And, all the credit goes to Mourtada Fall and his leadership abilities.
Even in the second leg semi-final against Mumbai City FC when Coro and Ahmed Jahouh had an off-day, Mourtada Fall lived up to his billing to concede only one goal. Often when the front line backfires, it becomes the duty of the defenders to keep his side afloat. And, this Sunday, Mourtada Fall might have to orchestrate his defence to ensure that.
#1 Sunil Chhetri (Bengaluru FC)
The toughest of men endure the toughest of times. And, there will be no man tougher than Bengaluru FC captain Sunil Chhetri on the pitch this final. The 34-year-old has always rescued his side, whether Bengaluru FC or India, in difficult encounters. And, for Bengaluru FC, there is no other challenge tougher than clinching the title.
Having already found the back of the net 9 times and bagged 3 assists, the Indian international averages at 0.5 goals per game, only behind Ferran Corominas who will play in the final.
Even if he is having an off-day, his mere presence is enough to lift the spirits of his fellow teammates. Udanta Singh's growth this season is one such story. And, in the final, if it is not Sunil Chhetri, then it will be his disciple who will have a say in the title.
