WILL FC GOA BLASTUNBEATEN KERALA?

PANJIM: Buoyant FC Goa will look to inflict first defeat on Kerala Blasters as the two sides clash in their Indian Super League, at the Fatorda Stadium, today.

After two wins in three games, the Gaurs look like a formidable force going forward, having scored eight impressive goals.

FC Goa’s Spanish coach Sergio Lobera put to rest any notions of considering the Blasters as a defensive team: “I wouldn’t call them defensive because they have some brilliant players going forward and are very organised in attack.” 

He also added that there may not be any change in the way they played. “We will look at ourselves and what we can do more than what the other team can do,” the Spaniard said.

Ferran ‘Coro’ Corominas made history twice in three games, becoming the first goal scorer of the tournament and then by becoming the first player to score a hat-trick. After a shock loss to Mumbai City FC at the Mumbai Football Arena, the Gaurs returned to winning ways with an impressive victory over Albert Roca’s Bengaluru FC. 

Having had more than a week to rest, the Gaurs will be looking forward to an exciting encounter against Kerala Blasters FC in front of their home fans.

Skipper Laxmikant Kattimani will most likely continue in goal with a central defensive partnership of Bruno Pinheiro and Ali Mohammad. Chinglensana Singh Konsham and Sergio Juste are able replacements for either defender. 

Seriton Fernandes has impressed at right full back and he will start with Narayan Das occupying the left side. The Spanish-Moroccan duo of Edu Bedia and Ahmed Jahouh look like certain starters with both players forging a superb partnership in the middle of the pitch. 

Jahouh’s ability to break up play and put in passes for the forward players is important to the style of play that Sergio Lobera embodies. Pratesh Shirodkar and Pronay Halder are options off the bench. Ahead of them, Manuel Lanzarote has shown his quality for the side, scoring twice and creating another two goals for the side. 

The Spaniard’s skill on the ball and ability to find runners is vital to his team’s chances. Brandon Fernandes and Mandar Rao Dessai have also showed good form in the tournament so far and are likely to get the nod ahead of Manuel Arana, Anthony D’Souza and Liston Colaco. 

Up top, Coro will certainly start after he jumped to the top of the goal standings with four strikes, including an impressive hat-trick against the Blues.

Kerala Blasters on the other hand have been able to muster just the one point in a 1-1 draw with Mumbai City FC in their last outing. This is their first match on the road and they will look at star Bulgarian Dimitar Berbatov for inspiration. The yellow brigade have also scored only one goal in the tournament so far through Mark Sifneos and they will be looking to correct that against the Gaurs. Under former Manchester United assistant coach, Rene Meulensteen, Kerala have a lot of international experience in their ranks and they will challenge the Gaurs on their home turf.

The statistics say that Goa have passed the ball more, with more accuracy, taken more shots, converted more chances and have thrown more tackles and made more interceptions too. That said, the Blasters are increasingly dangerous on the counter and will not be shy of soaking up the pressure before going forward on the break. The other dangerous aspect is their aerial strength -- the Blasters have won 31 aerial duels to Goa’s paltry nine.