Goa host Chennai in battle for pride

Both teams are out of the race for the playoffs…

After a humiliating defeat at the hands of Delhi Dynamos, FC Goa will be playing for pride in their last match of the season when they host last year’s champions Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa on Wednesday. FC Goa are at the bottom with 11 points from 13 matches and even if they win their last game against Chennaiyin FC they will finish right below all teams. It will be a league to forget for FC Goa coach Zico but as the hosts battle against Chennaiyin FC, there will still be plenty at stake After back-to-back defeats in the last two matches against Atletico de Kolkata and Delhi, Goa’s slightest chance of making the playoffs washed away. The head coach Zico will be looking to end the season with a win. However, the Marina Machans head coach Marco Materazzi will pack his bags after this match as they are also out of the race for the playoffs, all thanks to a defeat in Mumbai and two draws against Kolkata and NorthEast United FC in their last three matches. Team News The Guars tactician Zico will have the full squad at his disposal except for Denzil Franco, who is nursing an injury from the start of the season. He might think of a few changes in the starting line-up and we can expect the inclusion of Jofre and Lucio. Head to Head Chennaiyin have already defeated Goa in their previous meeting earlier in the season in Chennai. FC Goa have managed only two victories over Chennai in six outings. However, the Guars have never defeated the Marina Machans in Goa. Man to Watch Raju Gaikwad- FC Goa: The 26-year-old has been coach Zico’s preference over Keenan Almeida. The India International is one of the best domestic defenders in the league. He is excellent at winning the ball at the last moment, while he can be useful on the wings as his pace with the ball is unmatched. Chennaiyin forwards will have a hard time to get through the last line as the defender is known for his quick clearances. Dudu Omagbemi – Chennaiyin FC: The Nigerian forward has been Chennai’s highest goal scorer. He also has two assists to his name. With a hat-trick in the last match against NEUFC, Dudu will be the man to watch out for. Probable Line-ups FC GOA: (4-4-1-1) Kattimani, Gaikwad, Gregory, Debabrata, Lucio, Mandar, Richarlyson, Romeo, Jofre, Robin, Coelho. Chennaiyin FC: (4-1-2-3) Karanjit, Riise, Sabia, Wadoo, Jerry, Hangal, Mundampara, Mulder, Augusto, Succi, Omagbemi. Broadcast: The match will be telecast live on Star Sports 1, HD1, Star Sports 2, HD2, 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. Photo © ISL Media [KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]