Goa host Kolkata in crucial ISL clash

Both teams need a win with the race for the playoffs getting tighter...

FC Goa will be hoping to grab all three points and be in the contest for the playoffs when they host former champions Atletico de Kolkata in the Indian Super League at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa on Thursday. After a goalless draw in the last match against Mumbai City FC, Goa’s chances of making to the knockout stages depend on other results. Even if they win all their remain three games the situation will remain the same. The Bengal Tigers stand third in the league with 15 points. A win in Goa will help them to climb one place to second and bring them one step closer to the playoffs. Team News For the hosts striker Reinaldo, Denzikl Franco and Sanjay Balmuchu will be out with injury. The possible line-up for Goa will be similar to the one that Zico fielded in the match against Mumbai. However he might think of adding two more foreigners in the starting XI. For the visitors, Sameehg Doutie missed the last game against Chennai with a hamstring problem and remains the only doubt ahead of this one. The rest of the squad is fit and available for selection. Head to Head Kolkata has the upper hand over Goa, as the westerns have never managed to beat the Kolkata giants in the ISL. Their last meeting ended in a 1-1 draw at Rabindra Sarobar Stadium. Man to Watch Romeo Fernandes- FC Goa: Though the local hero was not coach Zico’s first choice at the start of the season, he has proved his worth in the last few matches and forced the Brazilian coach to give him the start. He also scored the winning goal in the match against NorthEast United FC. Like the last match, he will be in-charge of the right wing and the winger can be a handful for the ATK backline. Javi Lara-Atletico de Kolkata: The Spanish midfielder has been Kolkata’s scoring machine as he has already scored three goals so far. The winger has a talent to create his own chances in difficult situations. With his control on the ball and pacy runs, Lara will once again play a key role in the ATK line-up. Probable Line-ups FC GOA: (4-4-1-1) Kattimani, Gaikwad, Gregory, Debabrata, Luciano, Mandar, Richarlyson , Romeo, Jofre, Robin, Coelho. Atletico de Kolkata: (4-4-1-1) Majumder, Kotal, Mondal, Sereno, Pereira, Pearson, Fernández, Grande, Postiga, Ralte, Belencoso. Broadcast: The match will be telecast live on Star Sports 1, HD1, Star Sports 2, HD2, Star Gold, Star Gold HD, Jalsha Movies, Jalsha Movies HD and Hotstar. You can also follow Live text commentary of the game on Khelnow.com. Photo © ISL Media