ISL 2015: Three reasons why Goa will defeat NorthEast tonight
Second placed FC Goa host an in-form NorthEast United side at the Fatorda Stadium tonight as we head into the business end of the season. Goa have been in good form themselves, but are coming into this game on the back of a shocking 4-0 defeat against Kolkata, but a win against NorthEast will get them back to the top of the table.
Prediction
FC Goa 2-1 NorthEast United
Zico will not repeat the tactical mistake
In their 4-0 defeat against Atletico de Kolkata, Zico made a tactical change and shifted from his aggressive 3-5-2 formation to a more defensive 5-3-2 formation; it did not work well. The Brazilian manager is unlikely to make the same mistake against NorthEast at home. The Indian duo of Mandar Rao Desai and Romeo Fernandes will replace wingbacks Narayan Das and Nicolau Colaco.
Both these Goan wingers will trouble the NorthEast defence, who have looked extremely susceptible to pace, throughout the tournament.
Goa's potent attack against NorthEast's vulnerable defence
Statistically, Goa have the best attack in the league and Zico's men have scored 20 goals in their 11 matches so far. They did fail to score against Kolkata in their last game, but that came after they decimated Mumbai 7-0 couple of days ago, to grab the biggest win in the history of ISL.
Zico has a host of options to choose from with Reinaldo fit again, and Rafael Coelho to be assessed before the match. Dudu Omagbemi and Thongkhosiem Haokip grabbed a hat-trick each against Mumbai, but the duo might be rested if the Brazilian forward recovers in time. The depth in Goa's attack is the best in the league.
This potent strike force will face a NorthEast team, who have conceded the second highest number of goals after Mumbai. The defensive solidity that NorthEast had in their previous campaign has disappeared and they will struggle to contain Goa tonight.
The fort of Fatorda
Goa are a different beast altogether when they play at home. The vociferous support, and their attacking style of football, often overwhelms opponents and that reflects on their strong record at home. The Gaurs have lost just one of their six matches at home this season and they are facing a NorthEast side, who are not exactly the best travelers.
The Highlanders have grabbed only seven points from their six away fixtures this season, and have conceded a whooping 11 goals in those matches. As Cesar Farias said in the post-match press conference – a draw will be a good result for them.
