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FC Goa host Chennaiyin FC in their Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 encounter at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on Thursday. The Gaurs are currently placed sixth on the league table, but having played lesser games, a win would put them within a point of their opponents. They have however failed to win any of their last three fixtures and were handed a defeat by league leaders Bengaluru FC in their previous encounter. A win would boost their chances of making the playoffs. Meanwhile, former champions Chennaiyin are winless in their last two ties and come off the back of a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Delhi Dynamos FC. A win would see them climb to third on the points table and strengthen their chances of making it to the playoffs. But, moreover, they would be looking to tighten their defence — which has leaked four goals in their previous two games alone — against a free-scoring Goa unit.
HEAD TO HEAD
FC Goa 4 – 4 Chennaiyin FC (0 draws)
KEY PLAYERS
Edu Bedia (FC Goa)
The Spaniard has anchored FC Goa’s midfield to good effect. Although the Gaurs have conceded a lot of goals, Bedia has held his own while performing his defensive duties. He frequently surges forward, leading the attack too, and has a knack of picking out precise passes. The 28-year-old has a goal and an assist to his name so far and will look to play an influential role in the middle against Chennai.
Gregory Nelson (Chennaiyin FC)
The Dutchman has had a major impact on the flanks for his team. His pacey runs combined with his dribbling ability has helped him outfox many a defence. He’s not shy of driving into the opponent’s penalty area and testing the goalkeeper with thunderous strikes as well. Nelson has scored once this season and will be looking to add to his tally when his side take on Goa.
POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUPS
FC Goa
Sergio Lobera is likely to stick to his 4-2-3-1 formation, which ensures their formidable attack receives good service from the midfield.
Goalkeeper: Laxmikant Kattimani
Defenders: Narayan Das, Mohamed Ali, Sergio Juste, Seriton Fernandes
Midfielders: Edu Bedia, Manuel Arana, Brandon Fernandes, Mandar Rao Dessai, Manuel Lanzarote
Forward: Ferran Corominas
Goa’s head coach on the how the team’s mindset ahead of the fixture: “Now it’s not the moment to find excuses, it’s the time to find solutions. What we need to look at are the positives in the last few games. It’s time to look forward and not look back. We have a good team. A team that I believe can be in the top four if we play to our potential. There are five games left and it all depends on us.”
Chennaiyin FC
John Gregory may go forward with a 4-2-3-1 formation, which has yielded rich dividends for his team in the past.
Goalkeeper: Karanjit Singh
Defenders: Inigo Calderon, Mailson Alves, Henrique Sereno, Jerry Lalrinzuala
Midfielders: Dhanpal Ganesh, Anirudh Thapa, Thoi Singh, Rene Mihelic, Gregory Nelson
Forward: Jeje Lalpekhlua
Chennai’s head coach on how he evaluates the encounter: “It’s a big test for both the teams tomorrow night. They want to show that they are a good attacking force, and we want to prove that we are a good defensive force. One team has to win, I suppose, so that rests with us.”
KEY STAT
This particular fixture has never ended in a draw
LAST ENCOUNTER
Chennaiyin FC 2 – 3 FC Goa (19th November 2017 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai).
FORM GUIDE (Last five matches)
FC Goa: L D L W W
Chennaiyin FC: D L W L W
