FC Goa travel south to face Hyderabad FC in bid to enter top four

The hosts have lost the most number of matches (4) in the ISL 2019-20 season till now.

Hyderabad FC-FC Goa is a crucial game for both teams. Hyderabad FC are at the rock bottom of the league standings in the current Indian Super League campaign, after securing only one victory in six fixtures played. The going for the newly-formed outfit is only getting tougher, with the mighty FC Goa slated to visit them for their upcoming fixture. However, a valiant display against Bengaluru FC last time around could be a motivating factor for Phil Brown’s men.

The Gaurs are sitting in fifth position in the standings and must start collecting points to be higher up the ladder. Their last two results have been disappointing, with a shock home defeat to Jamshedpur FC followed by a stalemate against Kerala Blasters, in which a late equalizer from Lenny Rodrigues saved them the blushes.

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The Stakes

Hyderabad FC

The objective for the new entrants is simple, to get off the bottom of the league standings. Their displays at the GMC Balayogi Stadium have been full of resolve, which could inspire the team to a victory against the Gaurs. Their only victory of the campaign has come playing at home and the pressure is on Phil Brown to guide his team to all three points on Sunday.

FC Goa

Last season’s finalists were deemed to be favorites for the title this time around. However, the current campaign has not started off on the best note. With only two victories in six games, time is ticking for Sergio Lobera to deliver on the promises and get back into playoffs contention.

Team News

Hyderabad FC

Phil Brown employed a four-man defence against Bengaluru FC. However, with Sahil Panwar serving his suspension for the red card he got in the last game, the Englishman could fall back to a three-man backline. Robin Singh could also make a start after earning them a point, thanks to his late equalizer. Giles Barnes and Adil Khan are back, however, the former is a doubt to start the game.

FC Goa

Sergio Lobera will have a few selection headaches to deal with, as Mourtada Fall will be unavailable after being handed his marching orders in the last game against Kerala Blasters. Ferran Corominas was a notable absentee in the game against the Blasters due to injury and his return date remains unknown.

Head-To-Head

Hyderabad FC and FC Goa will face each other for the first time, but the Gaurs have previously played against erstwhile FC Pune City a total of 10 times. Out of these, both outfits won four games each and the other two ended in draws.

Man To Watch

Marcelinho (Hyderabad FC)

It goes without saying that most of the attacking moves for Hyderabad comes through their star Brazillian playmaker, Marcelinho. He has the tenacity to run with the ball and find players in good positions, thanks to his brilliant distribution in the final third. Moreover, he is also a threat when it comes to set-pieces and the Gaurs must keep him in check to prevent the home side from scoring.

Brandon Fernandes (FC Goa)

Brandon Fernandes has been excellent for Goa this season, but the responsibility on his shoulders only rises with the absence of their talismanic striker, Corominas. Similar to their last fixture, head coach Lobera is expected to deploy Brandon in the #10 role against Hyderabad, where the playmaking responsibilities will fall on the 25-year-old. He is their most creative midfielder and must take the challenge by the scruff of its neck, when his team face a defensively weak Hyderabad FC.

Probable Lineups

Hyderabad FC

Kamaljit; Kilgallon, Gurtej, Rafa; Poojary, Yasir, Kumar, Stankovic, Marcelinho; Robin, Bobo

FC Goa 

Nawaz; Fernandes, Pena, Gama, Ali; Bedia, Rodriguez, Desai, Fernandes, J.Singh; M.Singh

Did You Know?

• Hyderabad FC have lost the most number of matches (4) this season in the league.
• Both outfits had a player each sent-off in their respective last fixtures.
• Hyderabad goalkeeper Kamaljit Singh has made the most number of saves (27) in the ISL this season.

Broadcast

The game will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network on Sunday from 7:30 PM IST. It will also be streamed live on Hotstar and Jio TV.