FC Goa
V .
NorthEast United FC
Fatorda Stadium, Goa
25 November 2015
***
Goa will be hosting Northeast United FC at Fatorda Stadium in match 46 of the Indian Super League. The Guars have dropped down to second position after a 4-0 defeat in Kolkata and would be looking to bounce back. The western India giants know that victory could pretty much cement their place in the play off.The reverse leg in Guwahati saw Zico and his team come from a goal down to emerge as 3-1 winners. Mandar Rao Desai, Leo Moura and Reinaldo were the scorers for FC Goa that night while Dadzie had opened the scoring Cesar Farias ‘ side.
Team News and Tactical Brief
FC Goa
FC Goa had a bad experience in their last game against Athletico de Kolkata. The ill treatment off the field didna t help the Goans as they lost the game with a huge margin. The game against Northeast United has hence become really important. A victory her could seal their place in play off. Zicoa s men have never lost against Northeast United, and this could be a great confident booster for the players. Dudu and Hoakip have looked fantastic playing at Fatorda and the duo would be vital if Gaurs have to pickup all three points. Raju Gaikwad has done reasonable at the back in last few games and that could help Zico employ extra foreigners upfront. The Partnership of Leo Moura and Jofre would be vital as the duo is important for the club. Mandar and Romeo were missed against Athletico de Kolkata, the duo in their new role as wing back have been amazing for the club. They would be a threat for Northeast defense.
Probable Starting XI: Kattimani, Raju, Lucio, Lucca, Romeo, Mandar, Moura, Jofre, Gregory, Dudu, Hoakip
Northeast United
Northeast United have played beyond expectation under Cesae Farias. The Venezuelan has been brilliant with his substitutions during the game. Though not many fancy them to win against FC Goa at Fatorda, they might trouble their fancied opponents.The manager has read the game well and used bench players who have made impact most of the times. Nico Velez has been top goal scorer for Northeast united so far in the season. The Argentine has looked threatening with his speed but sometime has looked lackluster with his finishing. Cameroonian defender Bikey will be the most important player in the highlander line up. The bulky defender has been an integeral member of the squad ever since his arrival and his presence has always helped the defense. Goalkeeper Rehenesh has been a regular starter for the team and would look to put another impressive shift under the posts.
Probable Starting XI: Rehenesh, Gurung, Bikey, Hengbart, Khongjee, Siam, Silas, Kamara, Sanju, Dadzie, Simao
Prediction
FC Goa 2 a 0 NorthEast United FC
FC Goa will look to bounce back after a defeat in their last game. They have never lost to NorthEast United FC. The HardTackle predict a comfortable home victory for Zico and his men.
Image Courtesy: ISL Media