Matchday 83 brings us back to the Tilak Maidan in Vasco as Northeast United and FC Goa face off against each other in search of nothing less than 3 points.
Blast from the past:
A 1-1 draw was the result after the full-time whistle at the Fatorda as Igor Angulo and Idrissa Sylla got their names on the scoresheet.
Northeast United FC:
The Highlanders are building up ever so well on the freshly found confidence under interim head coach Khalid Jamil. Northeast United have come out on top in each of their last 3 outings having defeated some of the giants of Indian Football in Jamshedpur FC, ATK Mohun Bagan & Mumbai City FC and have given them a chance to fight for the all important play off spot. Northeast United’s lastest import Deshorn Brown has played a crucial role since his arrival and his synergy with Luis Machado and Federico Gallego has been really instrumental for Khalid Jamil’s side. Northeast United will be raring to go and prove their credentials for the play-offs when they face off against the Gaurs.
“They are a good team with good players and a good coach. We have analysed them. We have to approach the game well tomorrow. Hopefully, we do our best, we give a good effort and win,” said assistant coach Alison Kharsyntiew at the pre-match press conference.
FC Goa:
The Gaurs haven’t tasted defeat in their last 7 matches and they will only be hoping to extend it forward. But, they have only gathered 3 points in their last outings with three 1-1 draws. FC Goa as known for their free flowing attacking football as they have scored the most number of goals from open play. The defending shield winners come into this tie following a 1-1 draw against SC East Bengal despite going down to 10 men.
“Everybody can see from their games that their players are very happy. They are enjoying every game and every minute. Of course, the ambience in NorthEast’s dressing room must also be very nice right now because they have won their games and have won difficult games [of late]. Their players are enjoying themselves and are free on the pitch. Of course, there are a lot of positive points for NorthEast and for us it’s very important because it is necessary to control them with such emotions,” FC Goa head coach Juan Ferrando said ahead of the game.
Players to watch out for:
Federico Gallego:
The 30 year old has been really instrumental in changing the fortunes of Northeast United. The Uruguayan magician has the most number of goal contributions in the Highlanders’ camp (6) and has been pulling the strings for them in the middle of park.
Dheeraj Singh Moraingthem:
The Young Indian shot stopper had a great outing on his debut for FC Goa as his saves saw FC Goa get something out of the game against East Bengal. His performance against Northeast United will surely be reflected on the scoresheet.
Probable Starting XI:
Northeast United FC (4-3-3): Subhasish, Ashutosh, Mashoor, Lambot, Gurjinder, Camara, Lalengmawia, Gallego, Machado, Brown, Suhair.
FC Goa (4-2-3-1): Dheeraj, Seriton, James, Ivan, Savior, Adil, Amarjit, Princeton, Noguera, Ortiz, Angulo.
