ISL 2017, Match 31: FC Goa vs FC Pune City, Probable XI
The high-flying FC Goa are ready to host FC Pune City in their third home game of ISL 2017 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Goa on Saturday. Both sides are well-equipped with some of the best quality attackers in ISL 2017, so you can expect an action-packed game in Goa.
With their current form, FC Goa seem to be playing in some other league altogether. They have not just won their last 3 games, but trashed their opponents by scoring 4 or more goals on each occasion. They have scored a total of 14 goals in their last 3 games and that is a record. No team has ever managed to score 4 or more goals in 3 consecutive games in ISL history.
On the other hand, FC Pune City are coming into this game on the back of a defeat to Bengaluru FC. However, they have done well in attack and have failed to find the back of the net just once in 6 games. Historically, both sides are tied with 2 each and 2 games ended up in a draw. This is one of the games you would not want to miss before going into a long Christmas break.
FC Goa
The Goan head coach admitted that they are going to play as an offensive team as it is their biggest strength. However, he also emphasized the need of improvement in defence as they have failed to keep a single clean-sheet so far in the league.
The Spaniard is not expected to make any changes in the winning combination as they are looking quite balanced as of now. However, their defence will need to be extra careful while playing against an attacking side like FC Pune City. He will most likely field his side in 4-2-3-1 formation to keep the balance in attack and defence.
FC Goa Probable Starting XI: Kattimani, Bruno, Seriton, Das, Ali, Jahouh, Bedia, Mandar, Brandon, Lanzarote, Corominas.
FC Pune City
FC Pune City are currently in the middle of the points table with 3 wins in 6 games. With both sides having quality attackers, the Stallions head coach Ranko Popovic is expecting an interesting game on the pitch. He seems to be up for the Goan challenge and has full confidence in the attacking ability of his boys.
With Baljit Singh serving suspension because of a red card against Bengaluru, Harpreet is expected to play at the right back position. Macelinho is also expected to start in place of Jonathan Lucca to give more attacking option upfront. He will also adapt a similar 4-2-3-1 formation to utilize the mid-field space properly.
FC Pune City Probable Starting XI: Kaith, Harpreet, Lopez, Gurtej, Sarthak, Tebar, Adil, Isaac, Marcelinho, Carlos, Alfaro.
Author's Prediction
FC Goa 4-2 FC Pune City
We are expecting a goal-fest in Goa between two of the best attacking sides of the league. FC Goa are expected to continue their goal riot in front of their home supporters and take home all 3 points to reclaim the top spot in the league table.