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FC Goa host NorthEast United FC in Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on Sunday. The Gaurs may have found the back of the net for the maximum number of times this season, but their 3-4 defeat to Mumbai City FC in their last fixture finds them seated at sixth on the table. They would aim to set things right against visiting NorthEast, as a win would propel them in the top four again.
The Highlanders’ form have varied in recent times, as they have won two and lost two of their previous four encounters. However, one of those wins was against FC Goa, whom they stunned 2-1 at home. They came up with a good show against table-toppers Bengaluru FC in their last outing but ended up on the wrong side of a 2 – 1 scoreline, and would want to come up with a performance that would give them three points.
HEAD TO HEAD
FC Goa 3–2 NorthEast United FC (2 draws)
KEY PLAYERS
Ferran Corominas (FC Goa)
The Spaniard has been the league’s most prolific scorer. His pace and trickery have troubled all his opponents this season and his goal-poaching skills have been exceptional, too. The 35-year-old has bagged 12 goals and three assists already and will look to be at his deadly best against the Highlanders, in order to avenge their previous defeat.
Halicharan Narzary (NorthEast United FC)
The 23-year-old has been a livewire in the visitor’s attack. His quick and incisive runs down the flank, coupled with his knack of picking out key passes, makes him one of the players to watch out for. Narzary has two assists to his name this season and does get a decent amount of shots away in every game. He will hope to inspire his team in completing a double over the Gaurs.
POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUPS
FC Goa
Sergio Lobera will probably 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, Chinglensana Singh
Midfielders: Edu Bedia, Manuel Arana, Brandon Fernandes, Mandar Rao Dessai, Manuel Lanzarote
Forward: Ferran Corominas
NorthEast United FC
Avram Grant may counter with his own 4-2-3-1 formation, hoping to utilize their midfield and flanks to good effect.
Goalkeeper: TP Rehenesh
Defenders: Abdul Hakku, Jose Goncalves, Sambinha, Reagan Singh
Midfielders: Martin Diaz, Rowllin Borges, Malemngamba Meitei, Marcinho, Halicharan Narzary
Forward: Danilo Lopes
KEY STATS
– NorthEast have never won at Goa
– FC Goa are the only team to have not kept a clean sheet this season
– NorthEast’s goal tally of 8 is the joint-lowest this season so far
LAST ENCOUNTER
NorthEast United FC 2–1 FC Goa (6th January 2018 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati)
FORM GUIDE (Last five matches)
NorthEast United FC: L W L W L
FC Goa: L W W L D
