FC Goa and Kerala Blasters FC marched into the season as two of the most promising teams in the mix. Both the teams are yet register their first wins and they will battle it out to snatch the 3 points tonight.
If we take a look at the points table then both teams are currently dwelling at the bottom of the table wherein Goa and Kerala stand at the 8th and 9th position respectively with 2 points in their tally.
Indian Players to watch out for
Ishan Pandita – Ishan Pandita landed on the Goan shores with good repute owing to his Spanish experience. He also made his debut for FC Goa in their last game and we can expect some great performances from him.
Rahul KP – The youngster returned from injury and he took no time to make a mark. Rahul has been in a good form in the pre season and we all expect him to replicate the same.
Aiban Dohling – The center back got his first starting minutes under Juan Ferrando in the last game and he definitely lived up to the expectations. He paired up with Ivan Gonzalez in the defense and they did a pretty god job in dismantling the open plays.
Key Foreigners
Costa Nhamoinesu – The Zimbabwean defender is in superb form ever since he has donned the yellow jersey. KBFC’s arguably best foreign recruitment this season, Costa Nhamoinesu has a huge part to play for keeping the Goan attacks at bay.
Igor Angulo – Igor has been scoring goals for FC Goa consistently as he has already recorded 3 goals in 3 games. He’ll be orchestral for the Gaurs as they’d look forward to win this encounter in their own backyard.
Vicente Gomez – As captain Sergio Cidoncha is ruled out citing to his injury, Vicente will have an additional responsibility in marshaling Kerala Balsters’ midfield.
From the Dugout
Kerala Blasters FC loaned out two of their prodigy strikers – Naorem Mahesh and Kharpan to Sudeva Delhi FC as they’ll ply their trade in the upcoming season of I League. The club even parted ways with midfielder Arjun Jayraj on a mutual agreement.
On the other hand, Alberto Noguera who was under scanner after his actions during FC Goa’s last outing against Northeast United, is revoked of his 1 match ban and is apparently available for the game.
Significant Absentees
As Sahal Abdul Samad and Rahul KP resumed their first team duties, KBFC will suffer the unavailability of captain Sergio Cidoncha who will be out of the action for at least 2 months as he sustained a high grade ligament tear on both sides of his right ankle.
For the Gaurs, winger Redeem Tlang will miss out the game citing to his 2 match ban after being showed a red card in his debut for FC Goa.
Head to Head Record
Matches Played – 12
FC Goa won – 8
Kerala Blasters FC won – 3
Draw – 1
Probable Lineups
FC Goa (4-2-3-1) – Mohammad Nawaz, Seriton Fernandes, Aiban Dohling, Ivan Gonzalez, Saviour Gama, Lenny Rodrigues, Edu Bedia, Alberto Noguera, Jorge Ortiz, Brandon Fernandes, Igor Angulo
Kerala Blasters FC (4-2-3-1) – Albino Gomes, Nishu Kumar, Bakary Koné, Costa Nhamoinesu, Jessel Carneiro, Rohit Kumar, Vicente Gomez, Rahul KP, Facundo Pereyra, Nongdamba Naorem, Gary Hooper
Match Facts
Venue – Fatorda Stadium | Time – 7:30 pm | Date – 6th December 2020
Predictions
We expect it to be a very evenly contested game, but because of the injuries Kerala Blasters FC might have a tough time on the pitch. Owing to Goa’s formidable attack the Gaurs might have the result in their favour.
Follow IFTWC for all the latest updates on Indian Football and download our from playstore.