PANJIM: Last season’s runners-up FC Goa begin their campaign when they take on NorthEast United FC in the Indian Super League Season 3 opener, at Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati, on Tuesday.
Laying down to bed all the earlier controversies, the Gaurs — coached by Brazilian legend Zico for the third successive season — will aim to exhibit their same old skills, determination and vigour as they play their first away match to the Highlanders.
The Gaurs are back to having title ambitions, but it is to be seen if FC Goa’s rebuilt attack and defence will be up to the task.
Zico has managed to retain his last season’s core team with 12 players returning to don the Goan colours. Lucio will captain the Gaurs once again and will pair up with Gregory Arnolin, which could be a deadly combination in the defence.
Coach Zico had a mix pre-season in Brazil where he mainly opted for 3-5-2 formation and sometimes changed it to 4-4-2 or 4-1-3-2.
The Gaurs have played four friendlies in Brazil, out of which, won one, draw two and lost one. However, Zico’s team hasn’t played even one match on their return to Goa that leaves with utter surprise, who will start for the Gaurs. FC Goa are without their first choice defender Denzil Franco — who is out due to fitness issues, but the team still has a lot of quality with Fulganco, Debabrata Roy, Keenan Almeida and new signing Rafael Dumas. With Subhashish Roy Chowdhury also injured, Laxmikant Kattimani will surely guard the Gaurs goal.
The key battle may be in the midfield where a likely partnership of Jofre Mateu and Richarlyson, along with Goa’s poster boy Romeo Fernandes and wing wizard Mandar Rao Dessai on flanks will surely go against the Highlanders.
Zico has the option of free-kick specialist Julio Cesar, whom he may use as attacking midfielder along with another youngster Trindade Goncalves.
Injured Robin Singh will also miss the start that might force Zico to start with Rafael Coelho and smiling assassin — Reinaldo upfront.
The Brazilian legend has undoubtedly balanced the team this time around with the young signings.
At the other end, NorthEast United FC will aim to carry on their winning momentum against the FC Goa, after their 1-0 win over Kerala Blasters in the season opener.
Coach Nelo Vingada will bank heavily on their midfielder Katsumi Yusa once again as the Japanese impressive work rate earned him the man-of-the-match award and a goal. Nico Valez can also torment the Gaurs flanks along with Holicaharan Narzary.
However, the Highlanders are yet to beat FC Goa in the ISL.
