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NorthEast United FC are ready to host the high-flying FC Goa in their 4th home game of ISL 2017-18 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati. Historically, NorthEast United have managed to win just once in 6 games over the Gaurs while Goa have won 3 times.
NorthEast United FC come here on the back of 4 consecutive losses and are waiting for their first home victory of this season. They have conceded 7 goals in their last two games and have failed to score a single goal in their last 4 games. The Highlanders will be desperately looking to bounce back and end their dry run in the New Year.
On the other side, FC Goa seems to get back to winning ways after playing a draw in the mid-night finish against Atletico de Kolkata in their last game. They are currently 5th in the league table and will look to join the table toppers with a win against NorthEast United.
Interestingly, all 3 encounters in year 2018 have ended up in draw and we are still waiting for the first team to take home all 3 points in the New Year. This clash between the best and worst attack of ISL 2017-18 might give us the first winner of 2018 tonight.
NorthEast United FC
After the poor run initially, NorthEast United have sacked their head coach Joao de Deus and assistant coach Joao Pinho. Goalkeeping coach Joseph Sidy is expected to be the interim coach going into the game tonight. However, they have also signed the former Chelsea manager Avram Grant as a technical advisor for remainder of the season.
Playing without a regular head coach, we might see a different style of game tonight from the Highlanders. We might expect a more attacking approach from the side with Nirmal, Alfonso, Narzary replacing Hakku, Diaz and Meitei in the starting XI. We are also expecting them to adapt a more attacking formation of 4-1-3-2 playing with two forwards.
NorthEast United FC Probable Starting XI: Rehenesh, Nirmal, Jose, Sambinha, Reagan, Borges, Marcinho, Narzary, Didika, Lopes, Alfonso.
FC Goa
FC Goa head coach Sergio Lobera accepted that game played in mid-night against Atletico de Kolkata without much warm-up and training will affect the side going forward. Being an attacking side, he is not much concerned about team’s failure to keep a clean-sheet in the season.
With no serious injury concerns in the side, we are not expecting any changes in their starting XI. However, we might see early substitution to keep the players fresh for the next game. The Spaniard is expected to continue with his favored formation of 4-2-3-1 to control the game in mid-field.
FC Goa Probable Starting XI: Kattimani, Narayan, Ali, Seriton, Bruno, Bedia, Jahouh, Brandon, Mandar, Lanzarote, Corominas.
Prediction
NorthEast United FC 1-4 FC Goa
This is the game between the best and worst attacking side of ISL 2017-18. We are expecting FC Goa to come out all guns blazing to get back to winning ways and take home all 3 points tonight.
