PANJIM:
The Gaurs travel to Pune to take on FC Pune City at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi, Pune as their hopes of qualification to the next round of the competition hang by a thread. Sergio Lobera’s men will be hoping to turn their luck around and win the next three games and qualify for the playoffs after being winless in their last five encounters. They have also scored only one goal in their last three games, with Spanish striker Ferran Corominas on a mini goal drought. The Stallions took all three points from the Gaurs when they visited two days before Christmas and will be hoping to secure their qualification by doing the double over the Gaurs.
Naveen Kumar has established himself between the sticks after replacing Laxmikant Kattimani and has put in some good performances, despite the team not winning. He looks set to continue in goal behind a central defensive pairing of Ali Mohammad and Bruno Pinheiro. Sergio Juste started the match against Chennaiyin FC and could make an appearance if needed. Seriton Fernandes and Narayan Das will continue on either side of the central defenders.
In midfield, Ahmed Jahouh has been at the heart of everything for the Gaurs and he will start against Pune alongside Hugo Boumous who scored a superb solo goal in the Gaurs’ last encounter. He will take the place of Edu Bedia who is suspended from this match. Manuel Lanzarote returns to the squad after serving his one match suspension and will be flanked by Mandar Rao Dessai and Brandon Fernandes. Manvir Singh is also an option from the bench. Coro will want to cement his place at the top of the scoring charts and pull ahead of second placed Miku, breaking his goal drought in the process. Mark Sifneos is an option should he be needed.
