ISL 2015: NorthEast United to make home advantage count in matchup against FC Goa
NorthEast United host FC Goa in their first home game of the season. Both the teams come into this game on the back of defeats, and will be eager to get a positive result. Expect FC Goa to sneak in a close victory, riding on the back of its home support.
NorthEast United FC (NEFC) produced a wonderful defensive performance in their last match against FC Pune City. It was sheer misfortune that they conceded an own goal, which proved to be decisive in the end. Despite the defeat, Cesar Farias would have been pleased with his men, although he needs to quickly fix their ability to score goals.
Nicolas Velez is hard-working, and can stretch any defense with his pace and skill, but the Argentinian needs more support. Farias has tried both Boithang Haokip and Francis Dadzie, but neither has delivered. The team desperately awaits the servies of Boubacar Sanogo who is yet to regain full fitness.
FC Goa were decimated by a rampant Chennaiyin FC team in their last game. They lost 0-4, but it could have been worse. The lack of pace in the defensive pairing of Lucio and Gregory Arnolin was exposed, while there was no urgency or pressing from the midfielders.
Zico has used the same line-up in all the three games, and that might have taken a toll on the fitness of some of the players. The Brazilian manager is expected to make a host of changes to his line-up, especially with the Indian internationals returning to the squad.
NEFC team news
Cesar Farias has a long list of injured players to contend with ahead of this fixture. It is the last thing the Venezuelan must have wanted, after two defeats on the road.
Simao Sabrosa won't feature in this match as well, while Miguel Garcia has been sidelined for the rest of the season. The injury he picked up in the match against Kerala Blasters is far more serious, than what it was perceived initially.
Zohmingliana Ralte replaced Garcia at the heart of the defense in the last game, but the center back, who is on loan from Pune FC, has also picked up a knock. With very few options available at the moment, Farias will have to pair Aiborlang Khongjee and Cedric Hengbart at the back.
Holicharan Narzary is yet to recover from his injury, while Kondwani Mtonga and Seityasen Singh, who started in their first game, are also struggling with their fitness.
Farias has limited options upfront as well, with Boubacar Sanogo yet to regain full fitness. Francis Dadzie will continue to partner Nicolas Velez, in his absence.
FC Goa team news
Goa's captain and marquee defender, Lucio, hasn't traveled with the squad after picking up an injury in their last game. Jofre, who also suffered a knock, is in contention for a place in the starting line-up.
With Narayan Das and Pronay Halder returning to the squad, Zico could make a host of changes to the starting eleven. Luciano Sabrosa will replace Lucio at the center of the defense, while Narayan Das will start as the left back, in place of Keenan Almeida.
Upfront, Reinaldo is likely to be benched, with Darryl Duffy starting in his place. Jofre might be played in a wide role in this game, with Romeo Fernandes and Denson Devadas dropping from the starting line-up. Bikramjit Singh and Pronay Halder will replace the duo.
What the managers said
Cesar Farias was pleased with the way his team performed in their last match against FC Pune City, despite the loss. “I liked my team’s play. Unfortunately we did not get the result, but playing like this, we will get the result. Of course, losing hurts but everyone who saw the game, knows who the team out there set the tone of the game. Now it’s our turn to be strong at home,” the NEFC manager said.
Zico also showed empathy towards the Highlanders, and believed that despite the injury problems, it will be a good game of football. “I think NorthEast have the same problem that we have. Their players are also injured. I watched a few games of NorthEast. They didn’t look like they deserved to lose the last game. So we will have a good game,” the FC Goa manager said in the pre-match press conference.
Previous encounters
19 October, 2014: NorthEast United 1-1 FC Goa (Koke 36'; Gregory 16')
1 December, 2014: FC Goa 3-0 NorthEast United (Romeo 33', Slepicka 45', Santos 74')
Prediction
NEFC 2–1 FC GoaÂ
After a much improved display in their last game, NorthEast United are back at home. Very few places in India match the passion that their fans have for the game, and it will be a big boost. With Lucio missing from the line-up, FC Goa might lack a leader in their team. Expect the home side to sneak their first win of the season.