FC Goa will look to reclaim their top spot when they host NorthEast United in a crucial IFL fixture on January 8th. The match is scheduled to kick-off at 7:30 PM IST at Goa’s home ground, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao. Goa, who was sitting at the top spot previously, slipped to the second place after a loss against Bengaluru. NorthEast United, on the other hand, have been struggling this season. They are currently languishing at the bottom half with two wins out of their nine matches.
FC Goa’s four matches winning streak came to an end against Bengaluru FC, by a Sunil Chhetri’s brace. Both teams were goalless in a closely-contested first half but Chettri broke Goa’s defence in the 59th minute and gave Bengaluru the lead but the advantage didn’t last long as Goa’s Hugo Boumous levelled the score with a fantastic goal. But the veteran Chhetri, delivered again and propelled Bengaluru to a 2-1 win. However, Goa is unlikely to make too many changes and will probably go with the same squad.
NorthEast, at the same time, have played five winless games on the trot and are in desperate need for a turnaround in this season. They will have to bring out their best if they are to reach in the playoffs. NorthEast United have played two games less than the other sides as their last two games got postponed due to political disturbances. The Highlanders are currently at the eight spot and are currently five points off the top four. A win will boost their chance of making it into the top four.
Match Details
Date: January 8th, 2020, Wednesday
Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Margao
Timings: 7:30 PM (IST)
Probable Playing Line-up
NorthEast United
Subhasish Roy Chowdhury, Reagan Singh, Kai Heerings, Mislav Komorski, Rakesh Pradhan, Jose Leudo, Lalthathanga Khawlhring, Lalengmawia, Federico Gallego, Redeem Tlang, Asamoah Gyan.
FC Goa
Mohammad Nawaz, Seriton Fernandes, Mourtada Fall, Carlos Pena, Mandar Rao Desai, Ahmed Jahouh, Lenny Rodrigues, Jackichand Singh, Hugo Boumous, Brandon Fernandes, Ferran Corominas.
Key Players
NorthEast United
Federico Gallego
Redeem Tlang
FC Goa
Brandon Fernandes
Ferran Corominas
