Goa and Pune face-off in crunch ISL clash

Both teams are looking for a win to kick-start their season...

FC Goa face FC Pune City in the Indian Super League at Jawaharlal Nehru Staduim, Fatorda later today. Zico's side are now looking over their shoulder after defeat in the last match against NorthEast United FC even after dominating in possession and attacking. Pune City will be desperate to taste a win as they have drawn 3 and lost 6 out of their last 9 matches in the league. Their latest defeat was against Mumbai City FC in the third match of the new season. Team News FC Goa will continue to miss the services of Gregory, Luciano and Denzil Franco. This will keep Zico with fewer options in the defense, while he will be under more pressure because of lesser options between the stuck as well. The possible lineup for FC Goa will be similar to the squad that Zico fielded in the last match against NorthEast United FC. Lucio and Rafael Dumas will start at the centre of the backline while Fulganco Cardozo and Raju Gaikwad will do the duty as wing-backs. The midfield will have Jofre and Richarlyson along with Sanjay Balmuchu and Mandar Rao Desai on either side. Trindade Goncalves was outstanding in the last match and is expected to do the same in l attacking midfield; while Rafael Coelho will lead the strike force for the Guars. FC Pune City found the going tough in the last match largely due to the goof up in their formation. Coach Antonio López Habas will have to get the system right if he has to earn even a point from this encounter. The marquee player Mohamed Sissoko might start tomorrow and replace Bruno Herrero Arias in the middle. While the rest of the team will be same as Spanish Coach fielded against Mumbai City FC. Head-to-Head It was a 2-2 draw when they last played at Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium against Goa, all thanks to a stoppage time goal from Adrian Mutu, even at JLN Stadium Fatorda, it finished all square with a goal each from both the sides. While in the inaugural season, both teams have won their home matches. Man to Watch Trindade Gonçalves-FC Goa: The Brazilian midfielder was superb in the last match against NEUFC. He was the busiest player in the match completing 69 passes and attempting 3 shots on target out of total 7 SoT by FC Goa. This made him the “Guar of the match”. Keeping in mind his pace and control on the ball, he can be a troublemaker for the Pune defense. Jonatan Lucca-FC Pune City: The former FC Goa player was one of the best performers in the last match. The midfielder had scored 3 goals and assisted 2 in the last season for the Goans. The team in orange will be expecting the same from him when they face FC Goa today. Probable lineups FC GOA: (4-5-1) Kattimani, Gaikwad, Dumas, Lucio, Cardozo, Balmuchu, Desai, Goncalves, Jofre, Richarlyson, Coelho. FC Pune City: (4-4-1-1) Edel, Ravanan, Ferreira, A. Fernandes, Narayan Das, Arata Izumi, Sissoko, Tato, Oberman, Lucca, Zurdo. Broadcast: The match will be telecast live on Star Sports 2, HD2, Star Sports 1, HD1, Star Gold, Star Gold HD, Jalsha Movies, Jalsha Movies HD and Hotstar. You can also follow Live text commentary of the game on Khelnow.com.