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NorthEast United FC host FC Goa at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati in Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 on Saturday. The Highlanders have found the going tough this season, having tasted victory in only one of their seven fixtures so far as they head into the clash against Goa on the back of four consecutive losses. They need a quick change in fortunes if they are to secure the elusive semi-finals berth, a prospect that already seems bleak. They have roped in former Chelsea manager Avram Grant as an advisor for the remainder and will be hoping this move pays dividends. The Gaurs, on the other hand, have picked up just a point from their previous two fixtures, and come off the back of a hard-earned draw against defending champions ATK. They will want to take advantage of their opponents poor run of form and notch up a crucial away victory.
HEAD TO HEAD
NorthEast United FC 1 – 3 FC Goa (2 draws)
KEY PLAYERS
Danilo Lopes
The Brazilian has been on the few players who has posed a threat to the opposition defence when Northeast are playing. He has scored once in the campaign, and often manages to outfox the defence with his pace. Lopes also manages a lot of shots every game and is always on the prowl to take advantage of a lapse by the opponents. He will have to bring his A-game to the pitch against a strong Goa side.
Brandon Fernandes
Goa’s local boy Brandon Fernandes has played his part to a tee in the Gaurs’ midfield. The 23-year-old is quick and has a knack of finding incisive passes. Lethal while initiating attacks, Fernandes also has a couple of assists to his name and his never shy of trying his luck from range. With him in an advanced role, Goa have found flair and penetration in what’s shaping up to be one of the most devastating attacking units in the league this season.
POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUPS
NorthEast United FC
The Highlanders may use the 4-2-3-1 formation, hoping to optimize the midfield and the flanks.
Goalkeeper: TP Rehenesh
Defenders: Nirmal Chettri, Jose Goncalves, Sambinha, Reagan Singh
Midfielders: Martin Diaz, Rowllin Borges, Seiminlen Doungel, Marcinho, Halicharan Narzary
Forward: Danilo Lopes
NorthEast goalkeeping coach Joseph Sidy on their new technical advisor Avram Grant: “The new advisor (Grant) with his experience and coaching style will give us confidence to do well in the future matches. Hopefully we’ll do well. This is just the beginning for him.”
FC Goa
Sergio Lobera is likely to counter with a tried and tested 4-2-3-1 formation which ensures Corominas receives good service upfront.
Goalkeeper: Laxmikant Kattimani
Defenders: Narayan Das, Mohamed Ali, Bruno Pinheiro, Seriton Fernandes
Midfielders: Edu Bedia, Ahmed Jahouh, Brandon Fernandes, Mandar Rao Dessai, Manuel Lanzarote
Forward: Ferran Corominas
Goa head coach Sergio Lobera on the game-plan for the encounter: “NorthEast have a change in management, so they will have a different approach tomorrow. For us, what we’re looking at is a game from which we want to take three points. And keep focusing on the next game as they come.”
KEY STAT
While Goa have scored the maximum number of goals so far (19), NorthEast have scored the least (2)
LAST ENCOUNTER
FC Goa 2 – 1 NorthEast United (11th November 2016 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa)
FORM GUIDE (Last five matches)
NorthEast United FC: L L L L W
FC Goa: D L W W W
