ISL 2017/18, Match 64: FC Goa vs NorthEast United FC, Probable XI

FC Goa are all set to take on ninth-placed NorthEast United FC in their sixth home game of the ISL 2017/18 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa. Historically, the head-to-head battle between both sides has been slightly favouring the Goan outfit with three wins in comparison to two wins for the Highlanders.

Both sides are coming here at the back of defeats in their previous encounters. FC Goa has lost to Mumbai City FC in a seven-goal thriller by just one goal, while NorthEast United have lost against the current table toppers Bengaluru FC by two goals to one.

NorthEast United and FC Goa have the maximum number of games in hand in the league, which is the main reason why they (especially NorthEast United) are still not in the do-or-die situation amongst the bottom-placed teams. This is the chance for both teams to get their campaign on track and mark their presence in the top 4 race.

FC Goa

FC Goa head coach Sergio Lobera is not worried about their current position (6th) in the league table as they have at least two extra games in hand than most of the sides in top half of the table. He doesn’t seem to be under pressure at all right now and hinted to continue his attacking style of football going into the business end of the season.

With Seriton Fernandes suspended due to a red card, the only expected change is of Chinglensana Singh replacing the right-back in the starting XI from the previous game. The Spaniard is not expected to make any alteration to his attack heavy 4-2-3-1 formation.

FC Goa Probable Starting XI: Kattimani, Chinglensana, Juste, Ali, Das, Bedia, Jahouh, Brandon, Lanzarote, Mandar, Corominas.

NorthEast United FC

NorthEast United FC head coach Avram Grant have all the reasons to be worried about his side not being able to carry on the momentum. Despite having extra games in hand, nothing except a miracle could help them to get into the top 4 this season. They have defeated Chennaiyin FC and FC Goa in their last four games, but at the same time they lost to Bengaluru and ATK.

They need to deliver some special performance tonight to stop the free-scoring FC Goa side. With Nirmal Chhetri being suspended for this game, Abdul Hakku is expected to get a chance in the starting XI tonight. Former Chelsea manager is expected to continue his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation to keep a balance between attack and defence.

NorthEast United FC Probable Starting XI: Rehenesh, Hakku, Jose, Sambinha, Reagan, Diaz, Borges, Doungel, Marcinho, Narzary, Lopes.

Prediction

FC Goa 3-1 NorthEast United FC

Considering the quality of both side, we are expecting FC Goa to make their way into the top 4 yet again by taking home all three points tonight. NorthEast will have to do a lot of efforts to save their sinking ISL campaign.