PANJIM:
FC Goa find themselves in fourth place in the Hero Indian Super League standings with only goal difference separating the teams from second to fourth. After two wins in three games, the Gaurs look like a formidable force going forward, having scored eight impressive goals. Ferran ‘Coro’ Corominas made history twice in three games, becoming the first goal scorer of the tournament and then by becoming the first player to score a hat-trick. After a shock loss to Mumbai City FC at the Mumbai Football Arena, the Gaurs returned to winning ways with an impressive victory over Albert Roca’s Bengaluru FC. Having had more than a week to rest, the Gaurs will be looking forward to an exciting encounter against Kerala Blasters FC in front of their home fans.
Skipper Laxmikant Kattimani will most likely continue in goal with a central defensive partnership of Bruno Pinheiro and Ali Mohammad. Chinglensana Singh Konsham and Sergio Juste are able replacements for either defender. Seriton Fernandes has impressed at right full back and he will start with Narayan Das occupying the left side. The Spanish-Moroccan duo of Edu Bedia and Ahmed Jahouh look like certain starters with both players forging a superb partnership in the middle of the pitch. Jahouh’s ability to break up play and put in passes for the forward players is important to the style of play that Sergio Lobera embodies. Pratesh Shirodkar and Pronay Halder are options off the bench. Ahead of them, Manuel Lanzarote has shown his quality for the side, scoring twice and creating another two goals for the side. The Spaniard’s skill on the ball and ability to find runners is vital to his team’s chances. Brandon Fernandes and Mandar Rao Dessai have also showed good form in the tournament so far and are likely to get the nod ahead of Manuel Arana, Anthony D’Souza and Liston Colaco. Up top, Coro will certainly start after he jumped to the top of the goal standings with four strikes, including an impressive hat-trick against the Blues.
Kerala Blasters on the other hand have been able to muster just the one point in a 1-1 draw with Mumbai City FC in their last outing. This is their first match on the road and they will look at star Bulgarian Dimitar Berbatov for inspiration. The yellow brigade have also scored only one goal in the tournament so far through Mark Sifneos and they will be looking to correct that against the Gaurs. Under former Manchester United assistant coach, Rene Meulensteen, Kerala have a lot of international experience in their ranks and they will challenge the Gaurs on their home turf.
