FC Goa and Odisha FC Set for Crucial Clash in ISL 2025-26

Upcoming Matches in the Indian Super League

Guwahati (Assam) [India], April 9: FC Goa aims to recover from their initial defeat of the season as they prepare to face Odisha FC in the Indian Super League 2025-26 at the PJN Stadium in Goa on April 10, 2026. The match is set to kick off at 19:30 IST.

Earlier in the day, Sporting Club Delhi will seek to secure their second consecutive win after achieving their first victory of the season against NorthEast United FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati, with the match starting at 17:00 IST.

Fans can catch both matches live on FanCode and on Sony Sports TEN 2.

NorthEast United FC vs Sporting Club Delhi

NorthEast United FC returns to their home ground after a 20-day break, looking to bounce back from a 1-4 loss to Odisha FC last month.

Sporting Club Delhi arrives in Guwahati with hopes of maintaining their momentum following their first ISL win.

Currently sitting in 12th place with five points, Delhi is just one point behind NorthEast United. A win on Friday would elevate them to eight points, allowing them to surpass the home team.

Historically, SC Delhi, including their previous identities as Hyderabad FC and FC Pune City, has a favorable record against NorthEast United, with 10 wins compared to seven losses and five draws.

NorthEast United FC's head coach, Juan Pedro Benali, acknowledged the challenge posed by SC Delhi, praising their tactical clarity and skilled players. He noted, “They play good football with a clear system and are highly motivated after their last win.”

Forward Ankith Padmanabhan emphasized the team's determination to regain their winning form, stating, “We will give our absolute best and aim for three points.”

Assistant Coach Noel Joseph of Sporting Club Delhi expressed confidence in their strategy, saying, “Every match is a chance to climb the table. We are focused on setting higher standards.”

However, SC Delhi's head coach, Tomasz Tchorz, will not be present on the bench due to a suspension from a previous match.

Joseph highlighted the tactical challenge posed by NorthEast United, stating, “They are well organized and creative on set pieces. We respect them but are aiming for three points.”

Augustine Lalrochana from SC Delhi stressed the importance of winning to improve their standings, saying, “We need to win every match and are working hard for the next game.”

FC Goa vs Odisha FC

In the evening match, FC Goa will return to Fatorda looking to respond after a 0-2 loss to Bengaluru FC that ended their unbeaten streak.

Currently in seventh place with 10 points, head coach Manolo Marquez's team needs to convert their four draws into wins to climb the table. Securing three points would bring them to 13.

Odisha FC, on the other hand, is eager to recover from a narrow 0-1 defeat to league leaders Mumbai City FC. Despite a strong defensive performance, they conceded a late goal.

Odisha FC is currently in tenth place with five points from five matches and aims to improve their position with a win.

Historically, FC Goa has dominated this matchup, winning 15 out of 24 encounters against Odisha FC, who have only three victories and six draws.

Reflecting on their recent performance, Marquez expressed disappointment with their start against Bengaluru, emphasizing the need for a sharper approach. He stated, “You cannot concede early against experienced teams.”

With six matches remaining, Marquez noted the importance of giving opportunities to other players while still aiming for higher placements in the league.

He praised Odisha FC's resilience, stating, “They are well organized defensively and are competing very well.”

Young player Bob Jackson Raj shared his perspective on the competition within the squad, focusing on training and waiting for his chance to play.

Odisha FC's head coach, TG Purushothaman, expressed pride in his team's efforts and emphasized the need to focus on all aspects of the game to create more scoring opportunities.

Midfielder Rohit Kumar highlighted the team's determination to perform despite a short preparation period, stating, “We are focused on delivering in any situation.”

With crucial points at stake, both matches promise to be competitive as teams strive for momentum in the final stretch of the season.