ISL 2015: Three reasons why Chennaiyin will defeat FC Goa tonight

Prediction

Chennaiyin FC 2-1 FC Goa

1. Mendoza up against a shaky Goa defence

Goa have conceded nine goals in their last five matches, including the 0-4 hammering they received from Chennaiyin. On the other hand, Chennaiyin are joint top on the leaderboard on goals, have scored nine goals in their last five games. Stiven Mendoza, current top-scorer in the league with six goals, will prove to be a handful for the Goa defence. The Colombian striker's pace is bound to trouble Goa defenders Lucio and Gregory Arnolin like it did the last time around.

2. Tactically unstable Goa up against well-oiled Chennaiyin

FC Goa manager Zico has tried a variety of formations this season, including a strange 3-4-3 in their last outing, against FC Pune City. The constant tinkering with tactics and team selection has not allowed the players to develop chemistry and understanding.

Contrastingly, Chennaiyin's helmsman Marco Materazzi, one of the shrewdest tacticians in the ISL currently, found the right combination in attack after a slow start and has not changed it.

If Zico persists with the 3-4-3 formation, he will play into the hands of Chennaiyin, whose wide forwards will drag the three center backs all over with their pace and movement.

3. Goa's position does not tell the whole story

Zico's men are currently third in the points table, but that enshrouds the fact that they have won only twice in their last six games. It does not also reveal the fact that the Gaurs have played five of their seven matches at home, and will be on the road for most part of the remaining league phase. Additionally, Goa do not have an admirable away record.

In their previous three matches, Goa managed four points – a lucky win against Kerala Blasters where they were let off the hook thanks to their opponent's poor finishing, a humbling defeat against Mumbai and a draw against Pune, where they had to rely on an own-goal from Roger Johnson.

Moreover, the team is also struggling with injuries to a host of key players and they have already brought in two new replacements. Zico has a tough task on his hands to turn things around against Chennaiyin tonight.