FC Goa Vs Chennaiyin Preview: Gaurs' chance to show their class

The Marina Machans too are desperate for the three points after serially dropping them in the past few games.

After a cruel defeat at the hands of ATK Mohun Bagan, FC Goa are aiming to steady their ship and get back to winning ways against an unpredictable Chennaiyin FC side on Saturday. Juan Ferrando’s men are yet to hit their proper stride this season and need a string of wins in order to get back challenging for the title.

The Marina Machans are themselves desperate to get a win after last doing so in their Indian Super League (ISL) opener, with pressure mounting on Csaba Laszlo to start churning out positive results. With both sides opting for a high-octane attacking style, this game should be a really entertaining battle to decide who takes a step closer to the top four.

The Stakes

FC Goa have had a bizarre campaign so far, winning two, drawing two and losing two in their first six. They’re yet to gain the consistency which won them the league title last time and still look to be lacking in some areas. Ferrando really needs this win to embark on what he’ll hope will be a solid winning run in the league.

After that loss to ATKMB, the Gaurs are in desperate need of the three points to regain their confidence. They were completely outplayed by the Kolkata giants and need to be more unpredictable to break down a Chennaiyin side which has conceded only four goals so far. The players themselves need a confidence booster and a win can catapult them back into the top four, which is the minimum expectation from the Gaurs.

On the other hand, Chennaiyin FC also need to get their season back on track. After an emphatic start under Laszlo, things have gone downhill for them. They’re struggling to score goals and aren’t defensively that good to churn out regular points either. But they’ll have to be at their very best to defeat this under-fire Goa side and get the win.

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The Marina Machans need to be more clinical with finishing off their chances to do so. They need to be solid in the counter-attacks and capitalize on Goa’s mistakes to get the win. Chennaiyin recovered brilliantly after a slow start last season and if they want to replicate similar heroics, they need a win against a big side like the Gaurs.

Team News

FC Goa have no real injury concerns but could make a few changes to their team after the loss to ATKMB.

Chennaiyin FC will miss star attacker Isma for the game and defender Enes Sipovic also remains a doubt. Anirudh Thapa should be ready to start after recovering from his knock.

Head-to-Head

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7e5oI-WAULE

FC Goa hold the advantage over Chennaiyin FC in their head-to-head record, having defeated the Marina Machans nine times in 17 meetings. Chennaiyin have won on seven occasions, with only one game being drawn between these sides in ISL history.

Probable Line-ups

FC Goa: Nawaz, Seriton, Gonzalez, Donachie, Gama, Lenny, Bedia, Brandon, Ortiz, Jesuraj, Angulo

Chennaiyin FC: Kaith, Reagan, Sabia, Memo, Jerry, Crivellaro, Thapa, Tangri, Chhangte, Fatkhulo, Sylvestr

Man to Watch

Brandon Fernandes (FC Goa)

After missing out a starting place against ATKMB, Brandon should be back into the starting XI against Chennaiyin and has a point to prove. Fernandes has been among the more creative players for FC Goa this season and will be crucial towards opening up opportunities for them. 

He’ll aim to play a big influence in the game, making those brilliant defence-splitting passes and linking up well to create chances for his forwards. Moreover, Brandon will also look to threaten with his fantastic set-pieces to add that extra bit of a creative edge for his side.

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Lallianzuala Chhangte (Chennaiyin FC)

Despite all their attacking struggles, Lallianzuala Chhangte has arguably been the most effective attacker for Chennaiyin FC this season. He might’ve only registered one assist so far in the competition, but the winger has been a menace for opposition with his stellar work down the left wing. 

Chhangte can cause a nightmare for FC Goa’s defenders with his blistering pace and tendency to cut in behind defenders to surge through on goal. He’ll look to create more definitive chances and put in better crosses to trouble Goa’s defenders. The 23-year-old needs to be more clinical and improve his decision-making to really shine his final product, but if he discovers his groove, Goa could be in for trouble.

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Did You Know?

• Chennaiyin FC attempted 477 passes against NorthEast United, the most in this ISL season so far.
• Brandon Fernandes and Alexander Jesuraj (2 each) are tied having made the second-most assists for any Goa players in the ISL this season.
• Edu Bedia (431) has completed the most number of passes for any player in the ISL.

Telecast

The match between FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC is set to be telecast live on Star Sports 1 SD & HD, Star Sports 2 SD & HD (English), Star Sports Hindi 1 SD & HD, Star Sports 3 and several other regional languages. Live streaming of the match will be available on Hotstar and Jio TV.

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