FC Goa, Kerala Blasters look to kick-start season in Sunday showdown

The two sides are still without a win in the ongoing campaign.

It’s all sunny and shiny till the rain comes pouring down. For FC Goa, the ISL has begun in rather precarious circumstances. A side known for success, are suddenly teetering on the edge of mediocrity. After a tough outing against NorthEast United they face a very familiar foe in Kerala Blasters.

The demanding fanbase notwithstanding, Kerala Blasters will need to get some results and soon. Kibu Vicuna has fashioned a beautiful playing style, but without results the path will become tougher. As both head coaches battle each other in search for their first win, the stage is set for a high-voltage tussle.

The Stakes

Simply put, a point each won’t cut it for both sides. After three matches, both FC Goa and Kerala Blasters have two points with similar results in all their matches. Both Juan Ferrando and Vicuna will see this match as a must-win and the seemingly thin patience of both fanbases will add to the immense pressure the two tacticians already face.

Ferrando’s side displayed promising signs in several patches during all three matches, but have failed to keep the purple patch going and succumbed at crucial stages during these matches.

Kerala Blasters, on the other hand, seemingly still hold on to the demons that have plagued them for years, despite the experience within their ranks. Their inability to finish a match while dominating haunted them against both ATK Mohun Bagan and NortEast United. While Albino Gomes saved them from a similar fate against Chennaiyin FC. For all the good football, the Kochi-based outfit produce, it is high-time the results follow. Vicuna will be desperate for a win to kick-start his side’s campaign in earnest.

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Team News

FC Goa’s biggest absence will be that of Redeem Tlang, whose red card against Mumbai City forces him to miss the tie against the Blasters. Despite starting with Alberto Noguera and Jorge Ortiz against NorthEast, Ferrando will likely replace the latter for James Donachie in defence, to combat the Vicuna-led side’s attacking threat. 

https://youtu.be/Z-mVpV0UM0I

Kerala Blasters will more than likely be unchanged from the last game against Chennaiyin. However, Vicuna might be forced to make changes owing to fitness concerns, due to the short pre-season.

Head to Head

The Blasters have been favourable opposition for the Gaurs, with them winning eight matches against the Yellow Brigade. The Keral-based outfit hae won three, with one match ending in a stalemate.

Despite the advantage, last season the Goans had a tough time against the Blasters. They required a late goal to achieve a draw in the away leg with a score of 2-2. Another late goal was needed to get all three points in Goa, with the game ending 3-2 in favour of the Gaurs.

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Probable Lineups

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

Kerala Blasters: Albino (GK); Nishu, Costa, Kone, Denechandra; Facundo, Gomez, Rohit;Naorem, Seityasen,Hooper

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Man to Watch

Igor Angulo (FC Goa)

To replace one of the gems of the ISL is a very tough job. After the end of the Lobera, Ferran Corominas decided to move on from FC Goa. In his stead, came Igor Angulo, top goalscorer of Poland’s premier football league, Ekstraklsa, two seasons in a row and second highest goalscorer in the 2019-20 season. 

With an impressive resume, he was expected to fill the void left by his countryman. He has been doing that steadily but what has been lacking in his performances is the final outcome. The 36-year-old will need to delight the Gaurs’ faithful and a strong all-around performance against Kerala Blasters might just do the trick. His goalscoring ability has never been in doubt, but his ability to link with the team will be crucial during this game.

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Bakary Kone (Kerala Blasters)

To say Bakary Kone earned Kerala Blasters a point against NorthEast would be an understatement. The defender was omnipresent, rescuing Vicuna and his side from situations that they brought upon themselves. His ability to lead the backline confidently along with Costa Nhamoinesu has been vital for the Yellow Brigade and he would have to be at his best, if he aims to lock in Angulo. 

Vicuna’s trust in the Burkinabe defender has reaped rewards during the first three matches, but the Spanish head coach will want his prized asset to continue his fine form, as the Blasters aim to get out of this run of poor results.

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Did You Know?

• FC Goa have reached the playoffs in all seasons but one (ISL 2016)
• Kerala Blasters and FC Goa are the only two ISL sides to have reached the ISL final twice and not lifted the title.
• Seiminlen Doungel played for Kerala Blasters during the 2018-19 season. He will feature for FC Goa this time around.

Telecast 

The match between FC Goa and Mumbai City 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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