FC Goa are straddled at the bottom of the points table having lost both of their opening games while NorthEast United FC have just one point from three games.
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NorthEast United FC take on FC Goa in the Indian Super League (ISL) fixture on Saturday at Fatorda stadium. Both teams are winless in the tournament so far. FC Goa are placed at the bottom with two losses from as many games while NorthEast United FC is one place above them with just one point from three games. Therefore both teams are expected to go all guns blazing, looking to register their first win of the campaign. Both sides have not been able to play to their potential because of injuries to some key players.
NEUFC earned their only point so far against Kerala Blasters after a goalless draw. Meanwhile Khalid Jamil’s men lost both matches on either side of the draw, one against Bengaluru FC (2-4) and then came up short against Chennaiyin FC (1-2). The Highlanders’ defence has been leaky so far, having conceded six goals in three games. The departure of central defender Dylan Fox to FC Goa seems to have left a void in the team which Jamil is struggling to fill.
Moreover Jamil’s team lacks quality in the middle of the park. Apuia, who was their star performer last season is now with Mumbai City FC and Jamil hasn’t been able to find a replacement for the 20-year-old Indian international. Meanwhile, to add to their problems, star player Federico Gallego will not be able to participate any further in the remaining matches of the competition due to a knee injury.
All eyes will be on Khassa Camara and Mathias Coureur as NEUFC will be hoping for them to step up and revive the teams fortunes. Camara, as usual, has been consistent in the middle of the park but Jamil needs Indian midfielders to step up and offer more spark going forward.
The Gaurs on the other hand find themselves in an unlikely situation, straddled at the bottom of the table. Head Coach Juan Ferrando will be hoping for things to come together finally. In the first match against Mumbai City FC, Igor Angulo who joined Mumbai from Goa this season, scored a brace as the Islanders thrashed them 3-0. And then, in the second game, Jamshedpur FC defeated Ferrando’s side 3-1 courtesy of a double from Nerijus Valskis.
Just like NEUFC, Goa has problems at the back, having conceded six goals in two games. Ferrando seems to be searching for a reliable partner for central defender Ivan Gonzalez. The Spanish tactician has already tried Lalhmangaihsanga Ralte and Aibanbha Dohling in the central defence. Since both the Indian defenders haven’t been up to the mark, it would be interesting to see if the 40-year-old coach opts to bring in Fox and play with two foreign centre-backs, which means they will have to compromise a foreigner in the attacking department.
Goa’s only goal in the competition so far was scored by their new recruit Airam Cabrera, who was brought in to replace Angulo. Meanwhile Brandon Fernandes’ unavailability has left a void in Goa’s midfield. The 27-year-old is one of the top Indian assist makers in the competition. Although Alberto Noguera has been trying his best along with Edu Bedia and Glan Martins, they have struggled to break the opposition defence so far.
