Salgaocar FC and Sporting go head-to-head looking for first win of the campaign

Margao An intriguing battle is on the cards as Salgaocar FC and Sporting Clube de Goa, both looking to register their first win of the Hero I-League 2014-15 go head to head in a Round 4 clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda. The Greens have managed draws against Pune FC and Mohun Bagan whilst having lost by a solitary goal to Royal Wahingdoh. On the other hand, Sporting drew their first encounter against East Bengal before going down to Dempo SC by three goals to nil.

Salgaocar FC are likely to name an unchanged starting eleven to the one that featured against Mohun Bagan, although striker Darryl Duffy will undergo a fitness test tomorrow morning and may be included. “ Duffy may get some playing time, depending on the outcome of his fitness test”, stated coach Derrick Pereira. “We do not want to push him too hard and will play him only if fully fit. It is a great opportunity however, for the youngsters in the squad like Brian and Aslon to gain some I-League exposure”, he added. Saran Singh is yet to fully recover from the abdominal strain suffered in the match against Royal Wahingdoh and will not feature.

Sporting Coach Matthew D’Costa, who worked as an assistant coach under Derrick Pereira at Vasco SC in the early 2000s, said he rated the latter very highly and was looking forward to  good game tomorrow. Miguel Garcia he confirmed has been training but will be unlikely to feature tomorrow. Similarly, talented youngster Brandon Fernandes is also unlikely to be included in the squad for the Goan derby.

Sporting Clube de Goa ended the Greens incredible 19 match winning streak earlier in the year and will be keen to extend their excellent record against Salgaocar FC. “Matches against Sporting are always tough, but we hope to break the jinx and come out with all 3 points tomorrow”, stated Salgaocar skipper, Rocus Lamare.

His counterpart Anthony Wolfe concluded by saying it is invariably the team that is hungrier (for success) on the day that ends up winning. The match is being telecast Live on Ten Action with the match scheduled to kick-off at 4.30 pm.