Even if Odisha FC drop all available points against Jamshedpur FC, beating Bengaluru FC will be no easy task for FC Goa. The Blues extended their winning streak in the ISL to seven games last week after they ended Mumbai City FC's 18-game unbeaten run in the ISL this season
The first half produced a great tactical battle from both teams, but the Blues slowly took charge of the proceedings in the second half. Sunil Chhetri opened the scoring for the Blues in the 57th minute with a free header off a corner kick.
In ending that prolific streak, the best ever in ISL history, the Blues also made a big move towards sealing a playoff spot with their seventh win in a row with Sunil Chhetri leading from the front.
Bengaluru FC will be looking to consolidate their place in the top six with a win against the shield winners Mumbai City FC. The Blues are in the fifth spot with 28 points in the ISL standings.
Morale is high for a Bengaluru FC side that extended their winning streak in the ISL to six games this past weekend, their longest-ever streak. A much-needed victory against arch-rivals Kerala Blasters FC handed the Blues the bragging rights and lofted them back up into the playoff spots.
A win for the Blasters will confirm their qualification for the playoffs, while the Blues have a chance to pull further clear of Odisha FC in the skirmish for sixth place.
The win saw the Juggernauts replace Bengaluru FC in sixth place, which adds extra pressure on the Blues who play Kerala Blasters on Saturday. A loss for Hyderabad FC also means that if Mumbai City FC win against FC Goa on Saturday, the Islanders will be crowned ISL League Shield winners
The 2-1 win was built on Javi Hernandez's opener in the 77th minute before Roy Krishna added a second in stoppage time. It was the Blues' fifth victory on the trot.
The youngster was a pivotal figure in each of the Blues' four wins, registering four goals and one assist in the process. Sivasakthi fought his way into the starting lineup under head coach Simon Grayson and since then, has been reaping rewards with his goal contributions.
Thomas Brdaric's men will have to put their six-game winless streak to bed if they intend to keep their playoff hopes alive. Last week, Chennaiyin FC suffered a 3-1 defeat against Bengaluru FC, which saw the Blues overtake Odisha FC in a playoff race that is intensifying as the ISL enters it
Dyche has agreed on a two-and-a-half-year contract until June 2025 and will take charge for the first time for the Blues' Premier League clash against Arsenal at Goodison Park on Saturday, February 4.