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Following a late loss to Atletico de Kolkata a few days ago at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, FC Goa have no chance of making it to the semifinals of the third season of the Indian Super League as they have done in the past two years.
The Gaurs’ season was marred by injury, missed opportunities and tough luck in their bid for glory. With only pride to play for, the Gaurs travelled to Delhi and will take on high flyers Delhi Dynamos in a high octane clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. The team from the capital city could technically make it through with a win and two matches to spare.
Laxmikant Kattimani has been in impressive form after early jitters in the tournament and has prevented the franchise from conceding a lot more goals. One save in particular from Javi Lara in the last match was stunning, and as a result, he will keep his place between the sticks. Head coach Zico will look to give his bench a go and the team could see a number of changes. Skipper Gregory Arnolin could sit out this clash and Luciano Sobrosa could make his way back into the team. Raju Gaikwad will most likely partner him in the heart of the defence while Keenan Almeida and Debabrata Roy will occupy the flanks.
Goan midfielder Pratesh Shirodkar who played superbly in the couple of matches he played might be brought back into the side along with Dempo youngster Sahil Tavora. Trindade Goncalves will have to make way along with Jofre Mateu. Richarlyson Barbosa will, in all likelihood play further forward in place of Jofre. It is uncertain whether goalscorer from the last match, Mandar Rao Dessai and fellow wing wizard Romeo Fernandes will keep their places.
Julio Cesar could also find his name on the starting lineup along with last year’s top scorer Reinaldo Oliveira. It will be interesting to see if Rafael Coelho keeps his place in the team despite being the top scorer for the side this year.
With Delhi Dynamos in top form and on the brink of qualification, they will be looking to play an attacking brand of football while the Gaurs will hope to play from defence and hit the home side on the counter attack.
