ISL 2017: Fantasy Tips for Chennaiyin FC vs FC Goa
The 3rd match of ISL 2017 sees last season’s bottom teams FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC take each other on. Both will be looking to start the new campaign with a win. We pick our fantasy team for the match to give you the chance to win the match.
Goalkeeper:
Laxmikant Kattimani: Laxmikant Kattimani was one of the bright spots in Goa’s disastrous campaign. The 28-year-old is a fine shot stopper and is also good at saving penalties as highlighted by his 2 penalty saves in ISL 2015 final.
Defenders
Narayan Das: Narayan Das is a regular left back of India and has played a big role in the national team’s recent 13-match unbeaten run. The 24-year-old will be eager to impress after enduring an under par last season with FC Pune City.
Jerry Lalrinzuala: The 19-year-old impressed with energy, defensive awareness and pace down the flanks and was duly named as the Emerging Player of ISL. The marauding left-back is also a handful with his set-pieces, he scored with a free kick against FC Goa. His potential at both the ends means he must be a sure pick in your fantasy team.
Sereno: The former ATK player etched his name in ATK folklore by scoring the equalizing goal in the final of ISL 2016. The Portuguese centre back’s aerial prowess means he is also a threat in the opposition box. The Chennaiyin F.C Captain will look to lead from the front for his new team.
Bruno Pinheiro: Pinheiro is a no-nonsense defender & also adept at playing in the defensive midfield position. He also has prior experience of ISL being part of FC Goa’s run to the semi-finals in ISL 2014. His tenacity and willingness to put his body on the line for the team coupled with his European and ISL experience could prove to be vital in FC Goa’s defence.
Midfielders
Raphael Augusto: Raphael Augusto is the heartbeat of Chennaiyin F.C. Blessed with the vision to make the key passes and a defensive wall, Augusto became the heart of the Chennaiyin midfield in ISL 2015. He continued his form in season 3, managing 4 assists, the most by a Chennaiyin player.
Anirudh Thappa: The 19-year-old is one to watch out for in ISL 2017. Thapa possesses good technique, is quick and is a proven goal scorer in the youth stages, he will look to stamp his authority in the coming ISL and justify his reputation as one of India’s best upcoming talents.
Jamie Gavilan: The experienced Spaniard will line up alongside Raphael Augusto in a formidable looking midfield for Chennaiyin F.C. The former Valencia player is capable of dictating play with his technique and passing ability. He was one of the vital cogs in the ATK wheels of ISL 2015 enabling them to reach their 2nd successive semi-finals.
Mandar Rao Dessai: Mandar Rao Dessai is blessed with a great left foot and has the ability to dribble past defenders with his pace and ball control. The youngster made a name for himself with some solid performances for FC Goa in their run to the finals in ISL 2015. Mandar will look to find form this season after suffering a below-par ISL 2016 managing just 1 goal.
Forwards
Jeje Lalpekhlua: The highest Indian goal scorer of the ISL with 13 goals will look to start the new campaign with a bang after scoring just 3 goals in ISL 2016. Jeje’s pace and finishing ability means that he is a sure pick for your fantasy teams.
Manvir Singh: Manvir Singh is one of Indian football’s highly-rated talents and an integral part the Indian national teams’ U-23 set-up. The 22-year-old forward represented Bengal in the Santosh Trophy and proved his quality by scoring in the 120th minute of the game. Manvir has always stepped up and performed when needed and will look to prove his worth in his debut ISL campaign.