FC Goa vs NorthEast United FC lineups, team news, prediction & preview

Both teams will look to grab three points before the ISL break.

The Indian Super League (ISL) action returns to the shores of Goa as FC Goa gear up to host a resilient NorthEast United FC side at the Fatorda Stadium. The Gaurs will return to their base following a motivating win in Kolkata last week.

The Highlanders on the contrary will be keen to build upon their good away record in their third game on the road. Both teams are level on points and will want to get all three points from this match before heading into the international break next week.

The Stakes

FC Goa

FC Goa have managed to bounce back after a disappointing start to their campaign. The Gaurs started off with a defeat to Jamshedpur FC before playing out a draw against Mohammedan SC.

But, finally returned to winning ways in style with a 2-3 over East Bengal in the City of Joy. Manolo Marquez’s men are tied on four points with five other teams and are placed fourth on the table.

NorthEast United FC

NorthEast United FC have somewhat failed to build upon their Durand Cup triumph. They started their season with a hard-fought 0-1 win over Mohammedan SC away from home before dropping points twice from a winning position and ending up on the losing side against Mohun Bagan.

Juan Pedro Benali’s men dropped two more points against Kerala Blasters in their last fixture and played out a 1-1 draw.

Injury and Team News

Mohammed Yasir, Iker Guarrotxena, Sandesh Jhingan, and Lara Sharma are still unavailable for FC Goa while Carl McHugh is suspended. NorthEast United, on the other hand, have all players available for the clash after Asheer Akhtar’s suspension was revoked by the AIFF Disciplinary Committee after the Highlanders requested a review.

ALSO READ: AIFF Disciplinary Committee announces verdict on Asheer Akhtar’s red card

Head-to-head

Total Matches played – 21

FC Goa Wins – 6

NorthEast United Wins – 4

Draws – 11

Lineups

FC Goa (4-2-3-1)

Laxmikant Kattimani (GK); Udanta Singh, Odei Onaindia, Nim Dorjee Tamang, Aakash Sangwan; Borja Herrera, Sahil Tavora; Boris Singh, Dejan Drazic, Ayush Dev Chhetri; Armando Sadiku

NorthEast United FC (4-2-3-1)

Gurmeet Singh (GK); Robin Yadav, Asheer Akhtar, Michel Zobaco, Buanthanglun Samte; Mohammed Ali Bemammer, Mayakkannan Muthu; Jithin MS, Nestor Albiach, Thoi Singh; Alaeddine Ajaraie

Players to watchout

Borja Herrera (FC Goa)

The Spaniard is FC Goa’s man in form right now. He put up a five star performance in the last game against East Bengal and helped his side get their first three points of the season.

Borja found the back of the net thrice across 90 minutes and put the game past East Bengal. His game reading abilities coupled with his lethal skills up front make him an undisputed starter at FC Goa.

Jithin MS (NorthEast United FC)

The focus will be on Jithin MS as NorthEast United gear up to face FC Goa. The winger missed out on a national team call-up despite a wonderful season so far and will therefore be ever so motivated to put his best foot forward.

Jithin’s pace, quick decision-making abilities, and synergy with his teammates make him one of the most crucial players for NorthEast United FC.

Did You Know?

• 65 goals have been scored in this fixture
• NorthEast United FC wrapped up a 0-2 win the last time these two sides met each other
• NorthEast United have won just one of their 10 away fixtures against FC Goa

Telecast

The match between FC Goa and NorthEast United FC will take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on 4th October 2024. It will kick off at 7:30 PM IST.

The match will be shown live on Sports 18 and be available for streaming on Jio Cinema. International viewers can also watch the match on the OneFootball app.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.