Image Courtesy a Indian Super League Media Team.
FC Goa
V
Kerala Blasters
Fatorda Stadium, Goa
22nd October, 2015
***
FC Goa will take on the Kerala Blaster at Fatorda Stadium. The host will be fresh after 6 days much needed rest after a convincing victory in the northeast. The visitors are coming back from the defeat and will be looking to get maximum points from the match.
Team News And Tactical Brief
FC Goa
The Guars had mixed start to the season, they are in top 4 and match against Kerala Blasters are home is very important. A win could take them top of the league chart, which is always a happy place to be. FC Goa will go in this match with some injury worries, the play-maker Jofre and the leader of the defense Lucio will be missed in the match. The young full back Keenan Almieda also will be missing in this match. The youngster has minor fever and hasna t trained with the team for few days.
Nicalau Colaco, Narayan Das and Pronoy Halder expected to start in this game, the trio would be eager to put their mark in the game, Scottish striker Darryl Duffy looks like will be men who will play upfront. He has shown glimpse of his class in few minutes he played and he would look to put his team in front in the game. Leo Moura and Jonatan Lucca have to take extra responsibility in the midfield in the absence of Jofre. The Brazilian duo expected to provide services to likes of Duffy and Rienaldo.
Possible Starting XI: Kattimani, Colaco, Gregory, Sabrosa, Narayan, Pronoy, Bikramjit, Rienaldo, Lucca, Leo, Duffy
Kerala Blasters
Kerala Blasters are known to play slow and sluggish football; they have been under heavy criticism of their fans. The fans believe that team is not living up to the expectation and this match become very important for the players to prove their worth to the fans.
Peter Tayler is expected to stick to his 3-5-2 formation with Peter Ramage retaining his place in heart of the defense. Stephen Bywater will be guarding the goal and has done decent job under the bar. Rahul Bheke and CK Vineeth has done decent job as wing backs but team will be expecting more from them.
The midfield has been slow and need inspiration from one of the player. The marquee player Carlos Marchena could be just that player who inspires others around him. The midfield hasna t done anything special so far. Cavin Lobo may start the match; he will have found memories at fatorda when he scored brace against FC Goa while playing for Athletico de Kolkata. Chris Dagnell has been lone warrior upfront who has not god deserved service. Sachez Watt has been on and off kind of player who hasna t done anything so far apart from a goal against NorthEast United FC. He will be looking to put in an improved performance in this match if he gets a look in.
Possible Starting XI: Bywater, Ramage, Jhingan, Bruno, Bheke, Vineet, Cavin, Carlos, Pulga, Dagnell, Rafi. .
Prediction:
FC Goa 2-1 Kerala Blasters
The home teams in this year ISL has been struggling, away teams have done well so far. FC Goa will have their horror memories of last match at home against Chennayin FC. They will have the advantage of familiar home condition but Kerala Blaster is no pushovers. HardTackle expect 2-1 win or home side.