Premier Futsal League: Goa leg, day 3 Preview - Kochi face Chennai while Goa take on Bengaluru

paul scholes
Bengaluru will be depending on Paul Scholes to deliver the goods

The group stage of Premier Futsal concludes tonight. Kochi 5s take on Chennai 5s, whilst Goa 5s battle it out against Bengaluru 5s to grab the remaining spots in the semi-finals. Kochi 5s and Chennai 5s played an entertaining 4-4 draw the last time they met, and Chennai 5s must win tonight to qualify for the semi-finals.

Bengaluru 5s suffered a heavy 7-2 defeat against Goa 5s in Chennai, but a win today against Cafu’s team will guarantee them a spot in the semi-finals. A draw should be enough for Goa 5s to book their place in the semi-finals.

Day 3 of the Goa leg promises to be exciting, and things could get really tricky for the teams involved.

Livestream and Kick-off time

Goa 5s vs Bengaluru 5s is scheduled to take place on July 19 at 7 pm, whilst Kochi 5s v Chennai 5s will kick-off at 8:10 pm. Watch live streaming of both matches on SonyLiv. Follow live scores and commentary of the Premier Futsal League on Sportskeeda.

The match will be telecast live on Sony Six, Sony ESPN and Sony AATH. Both matches will be played at the Pedem Sports Complex in Goa.

Team News

Cafu is expected to lead Goa 5s for the first time today, after the departure of Ronaldinho. Rafael has been in impressive form for Goa 5s, and so has been Vampeta. The duo could make things really difficult for Bengaluru 5s.

Bengaluru 5s will be hoping Paul Scholes to make a difference today, as his team play a must win game. Jonathan has been decisive for Bengaluru 5s till now, and has three goals to his name so far in the tournament.

Moraes was once again on the scoresheet for Kochi 5s last night, and has been in terrific form throughout the tournament. Chaguinha also found the back of the net twice against Mumbai 5s, and has been in good touch. Salgado could also help with his experience of playing in big games.

Falcao, also known as ‘Pele of Futsal’, missed Chennai 5s game against Mumbai 5s, but should use his experience tonight. Cirilo and Camilo should also step up tonight in a must wing game as they try to force their way into the semi-finals.

Prediction

Bengaluru 5s have been disappointing so far in the tournament, and we feel Goa 5s should be able to beat them. Kochi 5s and Chennai 5s could be a close encounter with Falcao returning from injury.

Line-ups

Goa 5s – Coach: Octavio Gomes De Oliveira Junior; Marquee player: Cafu; International futsallers: Bebe (GK), Vampeta, Rafael, Georgievsky; Freestyler: Adonias; Indian futsallers: Michael Silva, Fredsan Marshall, Caitano, Vatsal (GK), Mohammed Ahtesham Ali, Praveendran

Bengaluru 5s – Coach: Juan Jose Bernal Cierre; Marquee Player: Paul Scholes; International futsallers: Elias (GK), Maxi, Nabil, Anatoliy; Freestyler: Easy Man; Indian futsallers: Zaib, Anto Rushith S, Jonathan, Abhishek R (GK), Sathya Kumar, Sai Nikhil

Kochi 5s – Coach: Sergio Sapo; Marquee player: Michel Salgado; International futsallers: Casalone (GK), Chaguinha, Deivis Moraes, Gekabert; Freestyler: Emil; Indian futsallers: Muhammad Ameer, Basil, Yashwant Kumar (GK), Ansh, Stalin Daniel, Anupam

Chennai 5s – Coach: Ney Pereira Marquee Player: Falcao International futsallers: Espindola (GK), Romulo, Cirilo, Camilo, Rion; Freestyler: Sean Garnier; Indian futsallers: Faraz Abdul Azzez, Younus Pasha, Yash, Rohit Suresh (GK), S Nannda, Haroon

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Edited by Staff Editor