PANJIM:
FC Goa find themselves in a tricky spot in the Hero Indian Super League standings after taking only a single point from their last three encounters. The Gaurs went down to Mumbai City FC at home in a tightly fought contest, losing 3-4, then led NorthEast United FC till late in the match when John Mosquera scored the equalizer and lost to Bengaluru FC in Bengaluru thereafter.The Gaurs will need to win the rest of their home games in order to qualify for the knockout stage of the competition, something they have failed to do only once in three attempts. Chennaiyin FC and FC Goa have had a healthy rivalry in the competition since the first season with both sides getting the better of each other on numerous occasions.
The Gaurs started the campaign with a 3-2 victory over the Super Machas in Chennai, racing into a 3-0 lead at half-time. The home side however, came roaring back with two goals and threatened to complete the comeback late on. But the Gaurs held on for the win. They will be looking to complete the double over John Gregory’s men in front of their home fans at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda. The same fixture last season ended in a 9 goal thriller with the Gaurs edging their rivals 5-4 in a pulsating encounter.
Sergio Lobera surprised many by playing Naveen Kumar in place of skipper Laxmikant Kattimani and the Punjab custodian repaid the faith of the gaffer with a fine performance between the sticks against Bengaluru FC. He is likely to start in goal again. Bruno Pinheiro took the captain’s armband from the Goan goalkeeper and he will keep it in the absence of Kattimani. Ali Mohammed will partner him in central defence with Seriton Fernandes and Narayan Das resuming their full back duties. The defence will be looking for their first clean sheet of the tournament. Ahead of them, Ahmed Jahouh and Edu Bedia will continue in midfield and will hope to influence play in a bid to help create chances to score. New signing Hugo Boumous is an option from the bench.
Mandar Rao Dessai has played the most minutes for FC Goa this season and he will resume his role on the wing. Brandon Fernandes who picked up an injury against NorthEast United FC could be in contention to return to the squad. However, in his absence, Manvir Singh will take his place. Ferran Corominas failed to find the back of the net against Bengaluru FC and he will be itching to increase his lead at the top of the goal scoring table. Manuel Lanzarote has also not scored a goal since the game against Mumbai City FC and he too will be hoping to contribute to the scoring and help his team qualify for the playoffs. Mark Sifneos will find a place on the bench after he returned to India and trained with the first team.
