Preview: Clash of playoffs contenders NorthEast United & FC Goa

Both teams will be looking for a win to solidify their claims for a place in the top four.

NorthEast United would like to extend their winning streak in the Indian Super League (ISL) to four matches on Thursday, as they prepare to face fellow top four contenders FC Goa. With 21 from 15 matches played, both teams are on-par with each other in terms of points, although the Gaurs sit above the Highlanders because of their superior goal-difference.

The Stakes

NorthEast United

The sacking of Gerard Nus and the appointment of Khalid Jamil seems to be working wonders for the Highlanders. The interim head coach has won all three matches since his appointment at the expense of big guns like ATK Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City. The January signing of striker Deshorn Brown from Bengaluru FC seems to be paying off as well, as the Jamaican has already netted three goals for them. NorthEast United will be full of confidence going into their match against FC Goa.

FC Goa

Despite being unbeaten in their last seven games, FC Goa would like to get some wins in their bag after drawing their last three matches. All of their last three games have ended in 1-1 draws and their lack of clean-sheets could be worrying for some. Another tough fixture against the Highlanders is up next and a negative result could see the Gaurs lose their spot in the top four.

Team News

NorthEast United

There are still doubts about the fitness of defenders Dylan Fox and Ashutosh Mehta. Apart from them, coach Jamil will have his full squad to choose from.

FC Goa

Midfielder Brandon Fernandes is in doubt for the Gaurs’ next game. Edu Bedia is set to miss the match as well due to suspension, after being sent off against SC East Bengal. Other than that, FC Goa will have a full-strength squad to face the Highlanders.

Head-to-Head

https://youtu.be/5fC1CjNOKRE

The two teams have faced each other 13 times, with the Gaurs emerging victorious on five occasions and the Highlanders winning two. Six matches between them have ended in a draw.

The reverse fixture this season between the two teams saw them play out a 1-1 draw, with Idrissa Sylla converting from the penalty spot for the Highlanders before Igor Angulo equalized for FC Goa.

Probable Line-ups

NorthEast United: Subhasish (GK), Tamang, Lambot, Gurjinder, Shereef; Lalengmawia, Camara, Gallego, Machado, Suhair; Brown.

FC Goa: Naveen (GK); Dohling, Ali, Adil, Gama; Princeton, Glan, Jesuraj, Noguera, Ortiz; Angulo.

Man to Watch

Federico Gallego (NorthEast United)

Federico Gallego is back to his best for the Highlanders and seems to be showing the same form that he displayed in his first season for NorthEast United. The Uruguayan midfielder has scored two goals this season and provided four assists (highest by any NorthEast United player).

The Highlanders have been heavily reliant on his creativity in midfield and set-piece deliveries. Now, with a striker who is scoring goals in front of him, Gallego could wreak havoc against FC Goa.

Alberto Noguera (FC Goa)

NorthEast United have been relatively solid defensively this season and have managed to hold their own against the very best of attacks. FC Goa will have to work hard to get past the Highlanders’ defence and will be looking to Noguera to do so.

The Spaniard has five assists so far this season and is the most creative asset available to the Gaurs. The midfielder will have to be at his creative best in order to open up the NorthEast backline.

Did you know?

• Khalid Jamil is the only manager to have managed NorthEast United in two different seasons.
• No player has provided more assists for NorthEast United than Federico Gallego (10).
• FC Goa were the first team to field 9 Indian players in the starting XI. Their opponents for that game were the Highlanders.

Telecast

The match between NorthEast United and FC Goa 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.