ISL 2018-19: FC Goa vs ATK | Match Preview, Predictions, Live Streaming & Where to watch details
Indian Super League's Valentines Day celebrations begin at the Western Coast as FC Goa encounter the boys from Kolkata at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium of Goa on Thursday.
FC Goa has been playing safe so far in the latter half of the season. Sergio Lobera has tweaked his plans for each game, shifting to defensive strategies to save points. Three back-to-back clean sheets have boosted the otherwise shaky defence line. A win in this fixture, that can close down the gap between the playoffs will be crucial for the Guars. Before this much-needed victory, FC Goa is 3rd on the points table with 25 points from 14 games.
ATK, on the other hand, has been badly hit by a draw against Pune City. The two lost points have become an obstacle in their semi-final hopes. But still, the Kolkata club would be having huge hopes on their new signing Edu Garcia, who has taken the league by storm. The change in Steve Coppell's plans to carve ATK into an attacking powerhouse has been finding the result. At present, the club is 6th on the ISL table with 21 points from 15 games.
ALSO SEE: ISL Standings | ISL Schedule | ISL Results
FC Goa vs ATK: Match Information
Date: 14 February 2019
Kickoff: 7:30 PM IST
Live Stream: Star Sports Network and Hotstar
Live commentary: FC Goa vs ATK Live Score | Commentary and Updates
Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa
FC Goa vs ATK: Team News
FC Goa
FC Goa has a full squad available for selection without any injuries or suspensions.
ATK
Pronay Halder is doubtful for a start against FC Goa and might be replaced by Eugeneson Lyngdoh
FC Goa vs ATK: Probable Lineups
FC Goa (4-2-3-1): Naveen Kumar, Seriton Fernandes, Mourtada Fall, Carlos Pena, Mandar Rao Desai, Ahmed Jahouh, Lenny Rodrigues, Jackichand Singh, Hugo Boumous, Brandon Fernandes, Ferran Corominas
ATK (4-3-3): Arindam Bhattacharya, Pritam Kotal, John Johnson, Arnab Mondal, Ricky Lallawmawma, Gerson Vieira, Jayesh Rane, Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Manuel Lanzarote, Edu Garcia, Everton Santos
FC Goa vs ATK: Form Guide
FC Goa: D-W-D-W-L
ATK: D-W-D-L-D
FC Goa vs ATK: Head-to-Head
FC Goa: 1
ATK: 3
Draw: 7
FC Goa vs ATK: Key Players
FC Goa
FC Goa will have most of their attacks around Ferran Corominas. The 36-year old has scored 11 goals and 5 assists this season. The Spaniard has been playing an important role in the Gaurs' goal-scoring runs and has opened up numerous chances up front. It would be key for the other players to make good use of the crucial chances at the attacking end.
ATK
Edu Garcia would be the apt counter for Coro, in ATK's lineup. The new Spanish import has changed ATK's fortunes at the attacking phase, combining with Manuel Lanzarote and Everton Santos. Garcia has scored 2 goals and made 1 assist from the 3 games and would be the person solely bearing the club's next round hopes.
FC Goa vs ATK: Predictions
The fixture would decide ATK's chances in this season and hence they would be aiming at nothing less than 3 points. Steve Coppell will see this as a do-or-die situation and would be lining-up the best XI, that can be a challenge to FC Goa. Though Goa is at a better place, it might be ATK clinching another win, to make the 4th spot more interesting.
Predicted Score - FC Goa 1:3 ATK