FC Goa hosts the match, needing a win to secure a spot in the group stage. They are eager to gain points at home. In their last six home games, they scored 14 goals, with their attack relying on the finishing abilities of Brazilian foreign player Pedro (4 goals, 1 assist in the AFC Champions League). Midfield core Brandon Fernandes has an 85% pass success rate. However, their defence has vulnerabilities, conceding 5 goals in their last three AFC Champions League matches, showing a lack of defensive stability. FC Istiklol Dushanbe is fourth in the group. They still have a theoretical chance of advancing and need to fight for an away victory. However, key midfielder Alisher Safarov is suspended due to accumulated yellow cards, impacting their midfield control. They have only won one of their last five AFC Champions League matches, with a weak attack (only 3 goals in the last 5 games), and their away form is poor. FC Goa favours a 4-3-3 attacking formation. They average 58% possession at home, excelling in wing breakthroughs and quick midfield passes to create threats. FC Istiklol Dushanbe employs a 5-4-1 defensive formation. They have shown resilience, conceding only one goal per game in their last 5 AFC Champions League matches, but their wing defence has obvious weaknesses (8 breakthroughs per game). Considering the attacking and defensive characteristics of both teams, FC Goa is likely to dominate the game, but FC Istiklol Dushanbe's defensive resilience might make it interesting.