Preview: NorthEast United, FC Goa in search of three points
(Courtesy : ISL Media)
The last time the two teams played at Guwahati, Carlos Pena was a FC Goa player.
ISL 2022-23 Gameweek 15’s ultimate clash will see NorthEast United host FC Goa at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati for the first time since November, 2019. The last time these two teams met in Guwahati, the game ended in a 2-2 draw with FC Goa coming up very late with an equaliser.
The Stakes
NorthEast United
NorthEast United’s season is practically over as they are out of the playoffs race. But there’s still a lot to play for. It’s more of a 'fight for pride' for the Highlanders as they look to give some joy to their fans in the few games remaining.
They come into the game on the back of a heart-breaking defeat to Bengaluru FC in the final minutes of the game. Moreover, they’ll be poised to turn things around this time, following their 2-1 defeat to the Gaurs last month in Goa.
FC Goa
The stakes are very high for the Gaurs as they look to strengthen their spot in the top six. FC Goa have been synonymous with inconsistency as they’ve put up mixed performances this season.
They’ve dropped a lot of points which speaks volume about their position on the table. They come into the clash following two consecutive losses against Hyderabad FC and ATK Mohun Bagan.
Injury & Team News
Imran Khan and Joe Zoherliana are doubtful for NorthEast United. FC Goa have a full roster to choose from.
Head-to-Head
NorthEast United and FC Goa have locked horns 17 times in the ISL, prior to this encounter.
FC Goa – 6
NorthEast United – 3
Drawn – 8
Predicted Line-Ups
NorthEast United (4-3-3)
Mirshad Michu (GK); Joe Zoherliana, Alex Saji, Aaron Evans, Hira Mondal; Romain Philippoteaux, Jon Gaztanaga, Pragyan Gogoi; Parthib Gogoi, Jordan Wilmar, Jithin MS
FC Goa (4-2-3-1)
Dheeraj Singh (GK); Seriton Fernandes, Anwar Ali, Fares Arnaout, Aibanbha Dohling; Ayush Chhetri, Edu Bedia; Redeem Tlang, Iker Guarrotxena, Brandon Fernandes; Noah Sadaoui
Player to watch
Wilmar Jordan Gil (NorthEast United)
The Colombian has been a superhit signing for the Highlanders. His leadership skills and goal-scoring prowess have made NorthEast United look different from what they were in the beginning of the season. He has scored three goals in seven matches, including one against FC Goa in the reverse fixture. Fans should expect him to come out all guns blazing.
Iker Guarrotxena (FC Goa)
The Spaniard has been one of the best players for FC Goa this season. His presence in the midfield has helped them big time as his multifaceted gameplay comes in handy for them. Iker is FC Goa’s joint top goal-scorer alongside Noah Sadaoui. He was on the scoresheet when the two teams met each other earlier in the season.
Did You Know?
- NorthEast United FC have conceded the most number of goals this season (35).
- Both sides come into the game on the back of two successive losses.
- The last time FC Goa visited Guwahati, their current manager Carlos Pena, was in the starting XI.
Telecast
The match between NorthEast United and FC Goa will be played at the Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday (January 15). The match will be live streamed on Disney+ Hotstar and Jio Cinema. Moreover, it will also be telecasted on the Star Sports Network.
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