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ISL Fantasy 2017: Tips for FC Goa vs Bengaluru FC

Mandar Rao Desai has been a revelation this season. (Photo: ISL)
Mandar Rao Desai has been a revelation this season. (Photo: ISL)

The 12th Match of ISL 2017 sees FC Goa take on Bengaluru FC who have a perfect record so far. The clash promises to be a spectacle as both teams have gone on the attack and have taken the game to the opposition. FC Goa, after losing their last match, will look to start their home campaign with a win.

Goalkeeper

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu: The Bengaluru FC custodian has had to very little do so far, due to their dominating performances. The six-foot-four-inch Sandhu has conceded just 1 goal and that came from a silly penalty. FC Goa’s attack is expected to test Sandhu, but the Indian national team goalkeeper possesses the shot-stopping ability to keep FC Goa’s attacks at bay.

Defenders

Seriton Benny Fernandes: The Goan native has been solid without being spectacular so far. He has stuck to his tasks and has been difficult to get past for his opponent. He has made 11 tackles so far, the most by an FC Goa defender, while he has also the made the most interceptions by an FC Goa defender.

John Johnson: The Middlesbrough academy graduate has excelled in ISL leading Bengaluru FC’s defence. He has been a big reason for Bengaluru’s fine defensive record so far. The 26-year-old is dominant aerially which also makes him a threat in the opposition box.

Harmanjot Khabra: The energetic Khabra has been deployed at right wing back position and has impressed with his energy and work rate. He proved his attacking potential by providing the assist for Erik Paartalu’s opening goal against Delhi Dynamos.

Midfielders

Mandar Rao Dessai: Mandar started the campaign with a brilliant performance against Chennaiyin FC scoring one and assisting another goal. He was a bit subdued against Mumbai City FC, but the pacy winger possesses the skills to cause damage to any opposition.

Ahmed Jahouh: The FC Goa midfielder despite the Gaurs' defeat was outstanding displaying both his offensive and defensive abilities. He controlled Goa’s midfield with his intelligent passing and was also not shy to get stuck in when required. He has attempted the most passes and has also attempted the most tackles by a midfielder so far. His all-action style means he is a must pick for your fantasy teams.

Edu Garcia: Edu Garcia has been superb as Bengaluru have made a perfect start so far. The Spanish winger is a threat with his vision and dangerous set- pieces. He has contributed attacking returns in each of the two matches so far and is looking good for more.

Erik Paartalu: The Australian midfielder emerged as the unlikely matchwinner for Bengaluru FC against Delhi Dynamos scoring Bengaluru FC’s first 2 goals with towering headers. The 6’5" defensive midfielder was not only superb in breaking up play but also helped initiate Bengaluru’s attack with his faultless distribution. The Australian’s aerial ability means he is set for more returns from Edu Garcia’s set-pieces.

Forwards

Udanta Singh: The speedy forward is a threat due to his direct running and dribbling ability. He also got into some dangerous positions so far but failed to provide the finishing touch. He has attempted 6 shots in the 2 matches. So far only Miku has attempted more shots. With the focus clearly on Chhetri, Miku and Garcia, Udanta could profit.

Coro: Coro was unlucky to be on the losing side against Mumbai City FC. He provided a fine assist for FC Goa’s equaliser against Mumbai to go with his goal against Chennaiyin FC in FC Goa’s opening match. The Spanish striker also had a superb chipped goal wrongfully disallowed due to some poor officiating by the linesman.

Sunil Chhetri: Chhetri was superb in Bengaluru’s win against Delhi Dynamos. The record Indian goal scorer was a constant menace to the Delhi Dynamos defence with his clever movement, crafty touches and vision. He created the 4th goal for Bengaluru FC with a superb pass. He has contributed with a goal and assist so far. With FC Goa’s defence looking shaky, Chhetri has a good chance of adding to his tally.

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