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Kerala Blasters host FC Goa in an ISL clash on Sunday, with both sides looking to bounce back from 1-0 losses in their previous game, and both sides having big selection problems due to the unavailability of players through injuries or suspensions.
Kerala lost 1-0 to Bengaluru at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium last Saturday, and although they put in a decent performance, they didn't threaten Gurpreet Singh Sandhu's goal anywhere near enough on that day. Goa, on the other hand, fell to 1-0 home loss to Jamshedpur FC, and to add to their woes, Ahmed Jahouh was sent off, meaning he'll miss this game.
It promises to be an intriguing game, with the selection issues posed to the two managers, but both Eelco Schattorie and Sergio Lobera have earned plaudits for the way they have got the best out of their Indian players, which they will have to do on Sunday.
Kerala Blasters v FC Goa: Match information
Date: 1st December 2019
Kickoff: 7:30 PM IST
Live Stream: Star Sports Network and Hotstar
Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Kochi
Kerala Blasters v FC Goa: Team news
Mario Arques and Moustapha Gning are not expected to return for Kerala, although Vlatko Drobarov should make his first start at centre-back alongside the experienced Raju Gaikwad. Sahal Abdul Samad also could come into the starting XI, with either Rahul KP or Prasanth Karuthadathkuni giving way.
For Goa, Len Doungel, Hugo Boumous and Ahmed Jahouh are suspended, while there are still question marks over the fitness of their talisman Ferran Corominas. With that severely depleting their attacking threat, Lobera will hope that his rearguard, untouched by injuries or suspensions - can hold fort against the likes of Bartholomew Ogbeche and Raphael Messi Bouli.
Kerala Blasters v FC Goa: Probable lineups
Kerala Blasters: TP Rehenesh, Mohammad Rakip, Raju Gaikwad, Vlatko Drobarov, Jessel Carneiro, Jeakson Singh, Sergio Cidoncha, Sahal Abdul Samad, Rahul KP, Raphael Messi Bouli, Bartholomew Ogbeche
FC Goa: Mohammad Nawaz, Seriton Fernandes, Mourtada Fall, Carlos Pena, Mandar Rao Desai, Lenny Rodrigues, Edu Bedia, Jackichand Singh, Brandon Fernandes, Manvir Singh, Liston Colaco
Kerala Blasters v FC Goa: ISL form guide
Kerala Blasters: L-D-L-L-W
FC Goa: L-W-D-D-W
Kerala Blasters v FC Goa head-to-head
Kerala have lost to Goa in the last four games between the two sides, conceding 13 goals in the process, while scoring only four. Last season, Goa won 3-1 in Kochi and 3-0 at the Fatorda, to further stretch their head-to-head dominance over the Blasters, in a fixture that has never seen a draw yet.
Kerala Blasters wins - 3
FC Goa wins - 7
Draws - 0
Kerala Blasters v FC Goa prediction
With both sides ravaged by injuries and suspensions, this is not an easy game to call, although Sergio Lobera and FC Goa will fancy themselves anywhere, against any opponent.
If Kerala can play like they did in the first half in Bengaluru, where they troubled the defending champions, there's no reason why they can't get out of this rut and get their first win in five games.
Prediction: Kerala Blasters 1-1 FC Goa
