PANJIM: Wednesday night will see two in-form teams go up against each other as FC Goa pay their last visit to the Tilak Maidan Stadium this league season to take on red hot NorthEast United.
Juan Ferrando’s men remain unbeaten at Tilak (the club’s practice ground during their inaugural campaign in 2014). The Gaurs clinched come-from-behind last-minute wins against Jamshedpur FC and Hyderabad FC at the stadium before another come back saw them share the spoils against SC East Bengal.
Up against them will be a rejuvenated NorthEast United – who have seemingly turned a corner under Khalid Jameel. The new Head Coach has inspired them to win in all of their last three games and remain undefeated in their last four.
The scalps have also been impressive. The Highlanders first dealt a blow to fellow playoff contenders Jamshedpur FC before scripting victories over ATK Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City – both teams perched at the top of the standings at the time of writing.
The Gaurs, though, will go into this game with much confidence as well. Juan Ferrando’s men are still undefeated this calendar year and last tasted defeat against Chennaiyin – more than a month and a half back. And whilst their performances have been inconsistent of late, there are many positives that Goa can take confidence from.
Goa will also miss the services of Edu Bedia (suspended) and Brandon Fernandes (injured), making their task difficult.
Ferrando admitted he’s feeling the heating of the playoff race but feels that has been a positive for his side. “I feel pressure all the time,” he said. “It’s good for the Indian league because more or less there is a difference of 3-4 points maximum between teams. It’s good for us because we aren’t relaxed. Every game is important and our mentality is to get the three points.”
