AGENCIES, KOZHIKODE: Gokulam Kerala FC will be playing host to Churchill Brothers FC Goa at the EMS Stadium in Kozhikode on Sunday at 7 p.m..
Both sides will be coming into this fixture on the back of defeats. The hosts suffered a staggering 1-3 defeat to Punjab FC in Ludhiana while Churchill Brothers were handed a major upset at home as TRAU emerged 2-1 winners at the Fatorda.
Another defeat for either side could serve as a catalyst which could ignite a downward spiral, as two defeats on the trot, has the potential to severely dent any title aspirations, especially when the league leaders show no signs of slowing down.
Gokulam have struggled for consistency, looking like the team to beat like they did against Quess East Bengal but have struggled to follow up such performances, looking like a completely different team as they did against Punjab.
Gokulam Kerala FC, Head Coach, Fernando Andres Santiago Varela said, “Sometimes, football is not about mistakes but about the successes of the rival. Punjab FC had the advantage as they are habituated to playing on such a field which we couldn’t get accustomed to. Maybe we lack the experience to play that kind of game, but there is nothing to reproach the players, they always give it their all.”
Meanwhile, Gokulam Kerala FC have already announced to donate total ticket sales to the family Radhakrishnan Dhanarajan, who passed away recently. Reportedly, legendary footballer IM Vijayan and Blue Tigers skipper Sunil Chhetri have already bought 250 and 220 tickets respectively to help the cause.
Churchill, on the other hand, has had better fortunes away from home and is the only side to have defeated Mohun Bagan this season but their run at home hasn’t been as convincing, but that is a story for another day.
The young Indian Arrows host the Snow Leopards at the Tilak Maidan on Sunday. Both the teams haven’t been in the greatest of forms this year and are placed last on the table.
Indian Arrows haven’t been able to muster a win since their 2-1 win against Churchill Brothers. In the last match, the Arrows suffered a 0-2 loss against TRAU FC.
Real Kashmir FC, on the other hand, one would say haven’t had the best of lucks amongst the teams. In spite of creating enough chances and dominating games, they haven’t been able to string positive results.
The Snow Leopards could have garnered only one win against Chennai City in Kashmir so far while registered three draws and two losses. Real Kashmir will be hoping to come back to their winning ways against Indian Arrows.
David Robertson, Head Coach, Real Kashmir FC sounded hopeful, “We all are very confident that our dominating play will turn in to wins. Luck hasn’t been on our side but if we keep playing and working it will all fall into place.”
Real Kashmir FC holds an upper hand when it comes to the head-to-head record. In the last season, Indian Arrows drew 2-2 against Real Kashmir whereas in Srinagar, the Snow Leopards had notched up a 2-0 win.
