FOOTBALL

Champions League: Will Tottenham crumble against Marseille?

Published

2 years ago

October 31, 2022

admin

With all four teams still alive in the race for Champions League knockout places, Group D will be the centre of all attention in the final group stage match week of the 22/23 Champions League.

Tottenham Hotspur will travel to the Orange Velodrome as group toppers. But a defeat against their Tuesday night hosts, Marseille, could flatline their Champions League campaign.

Les Olympiens lie at the bottom of the group, but a win will be enough to send them to the next stage of the competition.

Recent form

After two back-to-back defeats against Tottenham and Eintracht Frankfurt to start their Champions League mission, Marseille rejuvenated their European campaign at the expense of Sporting Lisbon.

The Portuguese outfit had players sent off in both matches against Marseille. The Ligue 1 side exploited their numerical advantage in both games and picked up six points.

But Marseille could not keep up the momentum when they took on Eintracht Frankfurt last week.

In a 11v11 affair, the Germans won 2-1 as Daichi Kamada and Randal Kolo Muani hit the target. Marseilles had restored parity through Matteo Guendouzi after Kamada put Frankfurt ahead. But the French giants had no answer for Muani’s strike, and they had to fall back to the fourth place of the group.

Despite the defeat at Deutsche Bank Park, Marseille’s Champions League fate is firmly in their own hands.

A win against Spurs on home turf will give them the ticket for the Champions League RO16. They could also win the group if the Frankfurt-Sporting match ends undecided.

However, Marseille’s recent form does not make room for much optimism in the minds of their fans.

They have only one win to show for their last five matches at the Orange Velodrome. Marseille have also failed to keep a clean sheet in their last six home games.

That’s not an encouraging piece of statistic for a team about to face the attacking might of a Spurs attack featuring Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.

But Tottenham also have their own problems to deal with.

They have appeared out of sync in their recent games, and their failure to see off Sporting at home has now put their Champions League future in jeopardy.

Harry Kane sent ruptures around the home crowd as he sent the ball on the back of the net late into the game. But a lengthy three-minute VAR check ruled the goal out for offside and allowed the visitors to leave with a valuable point.

A frustrated Antonio Conte was sent off for his sideline antics, so the Spurs manager will have to watch the Marseille game from the stands.

Marseille will get Samuel Gigot back in defence as he had to sit out the Frankfurt game with a suspension. But it remains to be seen whether or not Igor Tudor picks Gigot over Sead Kolasinac, who has been impressive in the Marseille backline.

Sead Kolasinac has experienced many heated encounters with Tottenham during his Arsenal days, but he will not be the only ex-Gunner to feature for Marseilles against Spurs.

Team news

Alexis Sanchez and Matteo Guendouzi will renew their rivalry with the Lilywhites. Arsenal loanee Nuno Tavares is also expected to start for Marseille.

Spurs will not get Richarlison, who had scored a brace in the reverse fixture, as he is suffering from a calf injury.

Dejan Kulusevski will also be unavailable because of a hamstring problem. Cristian Romero is expected to be available for selection after being sidelined for the matches against Bournemouth and Sporting.

Will Spurs prevail?

History is not in Tottenham’s favour since no English side managed to win away against a French opposition in European competitions.

On top of that, they are yet to score on the road in the ongoing Champions League campaign.

However, that dry run might come to an end since Marseille will have to attack from the start and that should make it easier for the Lilywhites to hit them on the counter.

But, Tottenham’s shaky defensive performances in recent time makes it hard to believe they will return from France with a clean sheet.

We are expecting Spurs to do the bare minimum and salvage a 1-1 draw against Marseille to book their place in the knockout stage.

FC Goa

FC Goa Triumphs Over Mohun Bagan with a 2-1 Victory

Published

22 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Maadhav

FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan! FC Goa secured a memorable 2-1 victory against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League at Fatorda Stadium. This high-stakes encounter ended Mohun Bagan’s unbeaten streak, marking a significant moment in the league.

Brison Fernandes opened the scoring for FC Goa in the 13th minute, assisted by Borja Herrera. His shot deflected off Mohun Bagan’s Tom Aldred, giving Goa an early lead. Despite pressing attacks, Mohun Bagan failed to capitalize on opportunities during the first half, keeping FC Goa ahead.

The second half saw Mohun Bagan equalize through Dimitrios Petratos’ penalty, awarded after a handball by Armando. With the match level, momentum shifted briefly in favor of Mohun Bagan. However, FC Goa struck again in the 68th minute as Brison Fernandes headed in Herrera’s precise cross, sealing the lead and eventual victory for the home side. FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan!

FC Goa’s defense stood firm during the closing stages, with Sandesh Jhingan and Odei Onaindia effectively countering Mohun Bagan’s attempts to find another equalizer. This win elevated FC Goa to third place in the league standings with 22 points from 12 matches, showcasing their strong form this season.

The match underscored FC Goa’s resilience and tactical discipline, while Mohun Bagan will aim to bounce back from this setback. Fans were treated to an exciting contest, reflecting the competitive spirit of the league.

FC Goa

FC Goa Host League Leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant in ISL Clash

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2024

Maadhav

FC Goa Host League Leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant in ISL Clash

FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant! The Indian Super League (ISL) promises an intense showdown as FC Goa faces league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant this Friday at Fatorda. With playoff positions at stake, both teams are set for a thrilling encounter.

FC Goa aims to break into the top three with a win, continuing their unbeaten six-match streak. Striker Armando Sadiku leads the Goa attack with eight goals in ten matches, while midfielders Iker Guarrotxena and Dejan Drazic add creativity. Young goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari’s three clean sheets in five matches provide defensive assurance. FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant!

Mohun Bagan, atop the league with 26 points, has relied on Jamie Maclaren’s scoring consistency and Greg Stewart’s midfield mastery. Although Stewart will miss the match due to injury, the Mariners boast six clean sheets this season, anchored by goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.

Both teams have impressive records, with Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season. The match could define playoff aspirations as Mohun Bagan aims to solidify their position, and Goa seeks to climb the rankings. Fans anticipate a tightly contested game between two strong sides showcasing Indian football’s growing quality.

The match is critical for both teams’ playoff aspirations. FC Goa looks to capitalize on their home advantage and attacking prowess, while Mohun Bagan seeks to extend their dominance at the top of the league. With FC Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season, the battle promises to be a showcase of quality football.

Fans are eagerly anticipating this high-stakes clash, which could significantly impact the league’s playoff picture. Both teams have shown resilience and skill, ensuring a thrilling contest.

FC Goa

Mohun Bagan SG and FC Goa Face Off in ISL 2024-25 Thriller

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2024

Maadhav

Mohun Bagan SG faces FC Goa in a thrilling ISL 2024-25 encounter, promising intense action and crucial league implications.

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 features a highly anticipated clash between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and FC Goa at Fatorda’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday. Both teams come into this encounter in solid form, aiming to strengthen their campaigns at a crucial juncture in the season.

Mohun Bagan leads the standings with an unbeaten streak, registering seven wins and a draw in ISL 2024-25. Their defensive strength is evident, having kept six clean sheets. FC Goa, sitting fourth on the table, boasts a dynamic attacking style, with nine different players contributing goals this season.

This battle between Mohun Bagan’s resolute defense and Goa’s attacking versatility promises to be a high-stakes showdown. Goa seeks to overcome the league leaders and secure vital points to narrow the gap. Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan looks to extend its dominance and consolidate its position at the top.

Key players to watch include Mohun Bagan’s defensive stalwarts and Goa’s offensive playmakers. Both sides have demonstrated their capability to adapt to challenging situations, setting the stage for a thrilling contest. With the mid-season point approaching, the match carries significant implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations.

Fans can expect an intense, action-packed game as two of the ISL’s top teams vie for supremacy. Mohun Bagan’s strategic discipline will be tested against Goa’s creative and relentless attacks. This matchup is a must-watch for football enthusiasts, showcasing the best of Indian football talent.