ISL 2023-24: NorthEast United Vs FC Goa: Preview, Predicted lineup, injury news, H2H, telecast details

FC Goa are the only unbeaten side in ISL 2023-24 so far.

FC Goa are the favourites to claim the ISL 2023-24 shield as of now, and this will be their maiden title if they win it. The Highlanders will take on the Gaurs in a home fixture at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on 29th December 2023, Friday.

The home side will be willing to give a tough time to the visitors as the Highlanders will be aiming to at least take a point with them given their opponent’s current form. On the contrary, the Gaurs will be missing the likes of Victor Rodriguez in the midfield who is out for the remainder of the season due to an injury.

The Stakes

NorthEast United FC

The last time NorthEast United FC took three points home was in Round 5 with Jamshedpur FC. Since then, the Highlanders have played six games from which they could only secure three points in total. Given that they will be facing the title contenders on Friday, Benali’s boys will be looking forward to giving their opponent a tough time on home soil.

The Highlanders have been struggling in the attacking third due to a lack of execution and therefore they have missed out on several occasions. In the 11 games they have played to date, Highlanders have scored 12 goals but have conceded 17 of them. Their goal conversion percentage stands at 10% while their goals scored per game averages at 1.1.

FC Goa

The Gaurs have played fewer games compared to the hosts as they have played only 9 games to date in the ongoing season of the Indian Super League out of which, they have won seven of them while the other two ended in a stalemate. FC Goa finished in seventh place in the 2022-23 season but this season, they have revamped brilliantly under Boss Manolo Marquez.

They will be hoping to continue their unbeaten streak against the Highlanders too on Friday. They have scored 15 goals till now in the current season, second highest after Mohun Bagan Super Giant who tops the list with 19 goals so far. The Gaurs have conceded only four goals till now. Their conversion rate stands at 10% similar to that of the Highlanders, and their goals scored per match averages out at 1.7.

Injury & Team News

FC Goa will be missing out on their Spanish flare Victor Rodriguez who won’t be seen in action for the remainder of the season due to an injury. The Highlanders will see Tondonba Singh returning to the Playing XI though Parthib Gogoi’s place remains doubtful as a starter.

Head-to-Head

Total Matches – 10

FC Goa – 6

NorthEast United FC – 3

Draws – 1

Predicted Lineups

NorthEast United FC (4-3-3)

Mirshad Michu (GK), Dinesh Singh, Yaser Hamed, Miguel Zobaco, Tondonba Singh, Ali Bemammer, Phalguni Singh, Gani Nigam, Jithin MS, Roman Phillippoteaux (C), Nestor Albiach

FC Goa (4-2-3-1)

Arshdeep Singh (GK), Seriton Fernandes, Odei Onaindia, Sandesh Jhingan, Jay Gupta, Carl McHugh, Raynier Fernandes, Boris Singh, Paulo Retre, Udanta Singh, Noah Sadaoui

Players-to-Watch

Nestor Albiach (NorthEast United FC)

Under Juan Pedro Benali, the attacking midfielder has been a vital member of the team. He is capable of playing several positions when needed. NorthEast United’s offensive center, Nestor, sets the team’s tactics for the duration of the match.

He has given his team many excellent opportunities, scored two goals, and assisted others in the process. He has been the second-highest scorer for the Highlanders next to India’s young-blood Parthib Gogoi.

Noah Sadaoui (FC Goa)

Under Manolo Marquez, Noah Sadaoui has been a dynamic member of FC Goa’s front line, thriving in his freedom of movement. Having scored four goals so far this season, Sadaoui is well aware that he can achieve much more in the future.

Having taken 36 shots, 15 of which were on target, Sadaoui is a very proactive player who constantly tests the goalkeepers of the opposition. In the last third, he will try to pose a threat to the Highlanders defence by positioning himself well to test Mirshad with forceful strikes.

Did you know?

• FC Goa has scored 15 goals so far in this season, second highest after Mohun Bagan Super Giant.

• NorthEast United FC’s top-scorer in the on-going season of Indian Super League is India’s 20-year-old Parthib Gogoi.

• FC Goa has only conceded four goals in the tournament so far.

Telecast

The NorthEast United FC vs FC Goa game kicks off at 8 PM IST, at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati on 29th December 2023. Live telecast of the fixture will be available on Sports18 Network (Sports18 1/VH1 Channel). Live streaming of the game will be available on the JioCinema app. Viewers from abroad can use OneFootball to stream the game.

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