FC Goa Vs NorthEast United Preview: Juan Ferrando out to prove a point

The Highlanders are yet to lose a game this season and will look to maintain that record.

After a thrilling first game against Bengaluru FC, Juan Ferrando and his men marched with high hopes against Mumbai City FC, only for it to be cut short following the disastrous sending off of Redeem Tlang. That, coupled with a last-minute penalty winner for the Islanders meant that FC Goa's necessity to make a statement has reached code red. They would need a win against high-flying NorthEast United for the same.

The Highlanders will not be an easy apple to pick, unlike in previous years. After an impressive all-round performance against Sergio Lobera's Mumbai City, the team from Guwahati looked like they were in over their heads against Kerala Blasters, after going down by two goals. However, an inspired second half display similar to the one Goa pulled off against Bengaluru FC, saw the side split the goals and the points. Gerard Nus would be keen to keep the run going.

The Stakes

For FC Goa, after three years of relatively high levels of success, this is starting to feel like novel territory. Juan Ferrando’s start to life with the Gaurs has been a tricky one and marred by several unfortunate situations. The Spaniard badly needs his team to register a win after promising signs in the opening two matches.

The players look confident in the system, but cohesion in the final third has been found wanting. Against Mumbai City, despite going a man down, the Gaurs rallied to fight hard, but ended up unraveling in the latter stages. Ferrando will need all three points to validate his team's efforts and finally set the ball rolling for Goa.

Gerard Nus, on the other hand, has started brightly. For a team that have largely been on the fringes of mediocrity, with rare glimpses of excellence over the last six seasons, four points in two games is a very optimistic start. Those four points came with superior effort as well. Nus has fashioned a side that works hard off the ball to disrupt the opposition's flow and capitalize on any mistakes made.

The Spaniard would want his team to not ease off and continue plowing forward, as the Highlanders aim to make only their second playoffs appearance in seven years.

ALSO READ: Gerard Nus: We have to avoid injuries & rotating players will be key factor

Team News

FC Goa are expected to field an almost unchanged lineup to the one against Mumbai City, with the only change being the omission of suspended Redeem Tlang. The winger was sent off for a rash tackle against Mumbai and will likely be replaced by Alexander Romario Jesuraj. Meanwhile, Brandon Fernandes would still likely come off the bench, with fitness concerns plaguing the Indian midfielder.

Gerard Nus will have a full squad at his disposal. Idrissa Sylla’s impressive cameo against Kerala Blasters might give him a starting spot, but more than likely Kwesi Appiah who has two goals in two matches will start for the Highlanders.

Head-to-Head

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2YjBDK4q28

FC Goa hold the advantage between these two sides. The Highlanders have succumbed five times to their opponents, winning only twice out of 12 games. Five matches have ended in a draw.

NorthEast managed to hold the rampaging Gaurs at home last year, with both sides splitting four goals. However, FC Goa won the return game comfortably with a 2-0 scoreline.

Probable Lineups

FC Goa: Nawaz (GK); Gama, Gonzalez, Donachie, Seriton; Bedia, Lenny; Jesuraj, Doungel, Noguera; Angulo.

NorthEast United: Roy Chowdhury (GK); Mehta, Lambot, Fox, Gurjinder; Gallego, Camara, Lalengmawia; Pradhan, Ninthoi, Appiah.

Man to Watch

Brandon Fernandes (FC Goa)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0lCMSj_hFA

Despite not featuring against Mumbai City FC, the impact Brandon Fernandes can produce for the Gaurs is substantial. The creative epi-centre will most likely come off the bench again, but his valuable minutes could swing the momentum to his side. His ability to drop into pockets of space and then find the subsequent pass will likely be of the essence for Juan Ferrando's team.

Brandon’s only key area of concern would be his fitness, but a role off the bench would be ideal for the midfielder. If FC Goa are trailing again, expect Brandon to drop by and wow viewers with his slick moves.

Khassa Camara (NorthEast United FC)

Lambot and Fox are tough to get past. But opposition attackers have a tougher path to get to them. The sleek yet destructive Khassa Camara has been a troublesome presence in the middle of the park and Gerard Nus has brought out the best in him in the two matches they've played so far.

The Mauritanian registered 10 tackles against Mumbai City FC, outshining and outworking more well-known names like Ahmed Jahouh. His menacing presence can be very bothersome for the likes of Edu Bedia, who is the link between the defenders and the creative midfielders. Ferrando will have to find a way to bypass the NorthEast destroyer to tap into his team’s creative potential.

Did You Know?

• FC Goa have finished higher in the league than NorthEast United in all seasons but one (2016)
• Two current FC Goa regulars have featured for NorthEast United. Both Redeem Tlang and Seiminlen Doungel were key players for the Highlanders. The former won't feature this time around because of his suspension.
• Both sides have only one foreigner retained from last season. Edu Bedia for Goa and Federico Gallego for NorthEast United are the only foreign players to have featured for their side last year as well.

Telecast

The match between FC Goa and NorthEast United 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.