Preview: Can FC Goa solidify playoffs position against Kerala Blasters?

Both sides are on a winning momentum which makes the clash all the more exciting.

Oh how time flies! The last time Kerala Blasters and FC Goa faced each other in the Indian Super League was in the fourth gameweek, with neither side having registered a victory yet. At that point, the result of that fixture would have given the momentum to the winning side and it did. FC Goa never looked back from their win against Kerala Blasters, making comprehensive movement up the table and into the third spot. The Gaurs are four points above NorthEast United, who are in fifth and are in a comfortable position to keep their playoffs hopes alive.

Meanwhile, Kerala Blasters find themselves at the other end of the spectrum, with occasional bursts of victories only to be silenced by a defeat. They are in ninth, with the latest win against Bengaluru FC giving them a sudden jolt of hope with regards to reaching the playoffs.

The Stakes

Kerala Blasters have had a string of well-earned results with seven points in three games. Their only stalemate came due to a stoppage-time equalizer at the hands of East Bengal. Kibu Vicuna’s team are peaking at the right time and the playoffs spots are not that far away, with the Blasters only four points behind fourth-placed Hyderabad. A win against Goa would be a resounding statement to all the other playoffs challengers as well as push them more closer to the upper echelons of the league.

For FC Goa, the route is clear. A victory is necessary to alleviate pressure from the side and to make it more easygoing for the club. They are in prime position to qualify for the playoffs and a win would dampen the threat posed by the Blasters as well as maintain their firm grip on the third place.

Team News

Kerala Blasters will look to ride on their newfound optimism when they face the Gaurs on Saturday. Possible inclusions would be Nishu Kumar and Jessel Carneiro replacing Sandeep Singh and Denechandra Meitei. Jordan Murray remains doubtful due to a minor injury, while Jeakson Singh could be rested too.

The key omission from the Gaurs squad would be winger Seiminlen Doungel, who departed from the club to join Jamshedpur FC on loan till the end of the season. Interestingly, the 27-year-old was a former Kerala Blasters player.

Head-to-Head

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y606AatmTug

Of the 13 matches between the two sides, the Gaurs have held a comprehensive advantage winning nine encounters. Kerala have managed victories in three, with only one match ending in a tie.

The reverse fixture saw FC Goa win comfortably thanks to an Igor Angulo brace. The 3-1 scoreline justified the effort showcased by both teams and further misery was piled on the Yellow Army due to the late sending off of defender Costa Nhamoinesu.

Probable Lineups

Kerala Blasters: Albino (GK), Nishu, Sandeep, Costa, Jessel, Juande, Gomez, Rahul, Facundo, Sahal, Hooper.

FC Goa: Naveen (GK); Saviour, Ivan, Donachie, Seriton; Edu, Lenny; Romario, Brandon, Ortiz; Igor.

Man to Watch

Rahul KP (Kerala Blasters)

Even without the last-minute heroics against Bengaluru FC, Rahul KP has had a memorable season. The former member of India's FIFA U-17 World Cup squad, Rahul has finally come into his own this season, with his thrilling pace and enthralling skills.

Playing for the yellow of his 'home' team, the former Indian Arrows player has been a key weapon for Kibu Vicuna, especially in the current resurgent phase the team are in. He will relish the chance to attack the Goan full-backs and make his mark in a fixture his side desperately need to win.

Igor Angulo (FC Goa)

After two games on the bench, the ISL top scorer would be raring to go again. Igor Angulo was left out of the starting lineup against both Jamshedpur and East Bengal. He only featured off the bench against Jamshedpur and was surprisingly not sent in against East Bengal, despite the Gaurs trailing late in the game.

Now, with rest and recovery done, he will be looking to explode against Kibu Vicuna’s Kerala Blasters. The Spaniard had scored twice in the reverse fixture and the Yellow Army's defenders will be wary of the threat the striker poses.

Did You Know?

• All ISL playoffs have featured either FC Goa or Kerala Blasters.
• Kerala Blasters and FC Goa have finished last in the league once, after reaching the ISL finals the season before.
• Kerala Blasters full-back Jessel Carneiro hails from Goa, having played for clubs like Dempo and FC Bardez in the state.

Telecast

The match between FC Goa and Kerala Blasters 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.