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After an amusing fairytale, FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC will lock horns with each other in the grand finale of Super Cup 2019 at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Saturday. The two teams who were at extreme positions in ISL are neck-to-neck now, assuring an exciting encounter.
FC Goa, without doubt, is a club which deserves a trophy this season. Across all competitions, Goa has won 13 of the 21 games they have played. The team's combined goal tally in ISL and Super Cup amounts to 46. Sergio Lobera & Co has been consistent in their performance and attacking strategies for a long time.
Therefore, a cup would be the only compensation for their fans, disappointed at the last-minute defeat to Bengaluru FC in the ISL final. FC Goa's Super Cup profile too has been excellent so far. They defeated Indian Arrows in the first round by 3 goals. Later, they faced a threat from Jamshedpur FC but overcame with a 4-goal reply.
The semi-final was a brief of their whole season - beating the I-League champions Chennai City by 3 goals. The Spanish manager would be leaving no areas unanswered ahead of the big final.
Chennaiyin FC has made an astonishing comeback in the Super Cup this season. The same team which finished at the bottom of the ISL points table a month ago has won 3 games ahead of the Goan final.
The league phase was a disastrous memory for the club, having won only 2 games out of their 18 fixtures. Things never went according to plan for Chennaiyin FC as they lacked form in all departments - strikers not scoring goals, defenders making silly mistakes and the midfield having no impact on the game.
However, the AFC Cup game victories had an impact on the club. The two-time ISL champions were quickly back on their feet. John Gregory had a better plan at work with more chances for Jeje Lalpekhlua and effective backing from CK Vineeth and Anirudh Thapa. Dhanpal Ganesh's return from injury too has helped the team.
If things go well for another 90 minutes, CFC will write one of the best comebacks in Indian football - from the bottom-placed to the champions in one month.
FC Goa vs Chennaiyin FC: Match Information
Date: 13 April 2019
Kickoff: 8:30 PM IST
Live Stream: Star Sports Network and Hotstar
Venue: Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar
FC Goa vs Chennaiyin FC: Team News
FC Goa
Edu Bedia will be back after his suspension and might take the place of Zaid Krouch in the lineup.
Chennaiyin FC
Jerry Lalrinzuala's return in the previous game has added strength to their defensive line. It would be interesting to see if the manager leaves out Jeje again on the bench.
FC Goa vs Chennaiyin FC: Probable Lineups
FC Goa (4-2-3-1): Mohammad Nawaz, Carlos Pena, Seriton Fernandes, Mourtada Fall, Saviour Gama, Edu Bedia, Lenny Rodrigues, Jackichand Singh, Hugo Boumous, Brandon Fernandes, Ferran Corominas
Chennaiyin FC (4-2-3-1): Karanjit Singh, Laldinliana Renthlei, Mailson Alves, Eli Sabia, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Dhanpal Ganesh, Anirudh Thapa, Christopher Herd, Raphael Augusto, Gregory Nelson, CK Vineeth
FC Goa vs Chennaiyin FC: Form Guide
FC Goa: W-W-W-L-L
Chennaiyin FC: W-W-D-W-W
FC Goa vs Chennaiyin FC: Head-to-Head
FC Goa: 6
Chennaiyin FC: 6
Draw: 1
FC Goa vs Chennaiyin FC: Key Players
FC Goa
FC Goa will again have the crucial combination of Ferran Corominas and Edu Bedia at work. Both the Spanish players will be key for Sergio Lobera on the night of the final. If Chennai lets Bedia extend his dangerous balls to Coro, FC Goa will take the cup home.
Coro is in excellent form with 5 goals from the 3 games he has played in the Super Cup. With Bedia coming back after the suspension join him in the midfield, Goa will have a dangerous attacking force set to take the field.
Chennaiyin FC
Anirudh Thapa has played a vital role in Chennaiyin FC's revival. The midfielder has started scoring goals along with being a crucial midfield maestro on the pitch. The 21-year old, who was the generator of CFC's numerous attacks in the Super Cup will have the same duties on his shoulder once again.
If Goa does not have a special plan in hand for Thapa, Chennai will have a lot of space on offer, which can be turned into goals.
FC Goa vs Chennaiyin FC: Predictions
Comparing the performances in the Super Cup, there is literally nothing to differentiate both the teams. While Goa has dominated in the number of goals, Chennai was impressive in their midfield play.
But still, it has to be admitted that FC Goa holds an upper hand for they have a better three at the midfield. The odds are in favor of the Gaurs winning their first ever title.
Predicted Score: FC Goa 3:1 Chennaiyin FC
