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FC Goa host Kerala Blasters FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on Saturday. The Gaurs are flying high after inflicting a defeat on Bengaluru FC in a seven-goal thriller in their previous fixture. Their Spanish forward Ferran Corominas almost single-handedly steered them to victory in the match after bagging the season’s first hat-trick. At home, they would want to keep up their tempo and look to make it two wins from two. Meanwhile, the Blasters are still unbeaten, although winless having scored and conceded their first goal of the season against Mumbai City FC in their last outing. Their attack is finally taking shape, and they will want their first win of the season when they visit Goa.
KEY PLAYERS
Ferran Corominas (FC Goa)
The Spaniard was at his lethal best against the Blues in Goa’s previous match. He gave the defenders a torrid time throughout the match en route to his hat-trick. None of the defenders had any answer to his pace and trickery with the ball. He will look to add to his fast-swelling goals tally against a Kerala side still in search of their first win.
Mark Sifneos (Kerala Blasters FC)
Sifneos has gone down in the history books as this season’s first scorer for Kerala. He was sharp throughout their encounter against Mumbai City FC and made the most of his first start. The Dutchman showed good awareness and was clinical when presented with an opportunity. The visitors will count on him to net some more against Goa.
HEAD TO HEAD
FC Goa 3–3 Kerala Blasters FC
POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUPS
FC Goa
Sergio Lobera will most likely implement his preferred attack-minded 4-3-3 formation and look to take the game to the visitors.
Goalkeeper: Laxmikant Kattimani
Defenders: Narayan Das, Seriton Fernandes, Chinglensana Singh, Mohamed Ali
Midfielders: Edu Bedia, Bruno Pinheiro, Manuel Arana
Forwards: Mandar Rao Dessai, Ferran Corominas, Manuel Lanzarote
Goa head coach Sergio Lobera on his opponents: “I wouldn’t classify Kerala as defensive. They have players with a lot of quality and create a lot of chances. They will be well organized in defence and in attack. We will have to be on top of our game.”
Kerala Blasters FC
Kerala will probably line up in a 4-5-1 formation and pack their midfield with bodies.
Goalkeeper: Paul Rachubka
Defenders: Lalruatthara, Nemanja Lakic Pesic, Sandesh Jhingan, Rino Anto
Midfielders: Arata Izumi, Courage Pekuson, Milan Singh, Dimitar Berbatov, Jackichand Singh
Forwards: Mark Sifneos
Kerala Blasters head coach Rene Meulensteen summing up their campaign so far: “I am disappointed that we haven’t won any of them (matches). On the other hand, we have seen progress in the three games so I’m happy with that. This is an away game, so it is different. But more than anything we need to focus on progressing as individuals and as a team.”
KEY STAT:
The head to head is evened out in a pretty neat manner. The first season saw each team pick up a home victory, the second saw Goa do the double and the third saw Kerala do the same.
