ISL 2017, Match 20: FC Goa vs Kerala Blasters FC, Predicted XI
After a hard-fought win against Bengaluru FC, the Gaurs are ready to host the Kerala Blasters in their 2nd consecutive home game of ISL 2017. Neither of FC Goa and Kerala Blasters have managed to dominate the head-to-head battle between both sides historically as both managed to win 3 times each.
This is a clear battle between the Goan attackers and Kerala Blasters defence. FC Goa has scored 8 goals in their 3 games, while Kerala have conceded just one goal in from thesame number of matches. FC Goa have managed to win two out of their last 3 games but their goal difference in both of them was just 1, and they have failed to keep a clean-sheet in any of their matches so far.
On the other hand, Kerala Blasters FC are still waiting for their first win this season. This is not the first time that Kerala have failed to register a win after playing their first 3 game as they remained winless in their first 3 games during ISL 2014 and 2016, both seasons they managed to reach into the final. They have registered their first victory in the 4th game on both of those occasions. On that note, lets take a look at how the two teams could line up today.
FC Goa
The Gaurs' head coach Sergio Lobera seems to be quite happy with the performance of attacking players, but need to focus on defensive lapses as they have conceded 8 goals in first 3 games and failed to keep a single clean sheet yet. More importantly, they have conceded thrice Bengaluru FC after the latter were down to 10 men in their previous game.
We are expecting a return for Spanish midfielder Manuel Arana in place of Ahmed Jahouh for this game. The Spaniard is expected to field his boys in a 4-4-1-1 formation to keep a balance between attack and defence.
FC Goa Probable Starting XI: Kattimani, Narayan, Seriton, Ali, Pinheiro, Brandon, Arana, Bedia, Mandar, Lanzarote, Corominas.
Kerala Blasters FC
Kerala Blasters head-coach Rene Meulensteen doesn’t seem to be happy with his boys’ inability to win any of their 3 games so far and will look to go all guns blazing to end their winless streak tonight. Despite being fit for the game, English defender Wes Brown might have to wait a little longer for his first start, as coach Rene Meulensteen may not be in the mood to take any risk.
The Blasters boss will miss the services of the suspended CK Vineeth, which is expected to be one more chance for Milan Singh to impress the coach. Iain Hume is expected to lead the attack in place of Mark Sifneos.
Kerala Blasters FC Probable Starting XI: Rachubka, Anto, Jhingan, Pesic, Lalrutthara, Izumi, Milan, Pekuson, Jackichand, Berbaov, Hume.
Kerala Blasters FC Probable Starting XIPrediction
Prediction
FC Goa 0-1 Kerala Blasters FC
Kerala Blasters are expected to continue the trend of winning their 4th game from Season 1 and 3. However, they will have to work hard to score more than one goal at the Fatorda, Goa.