A win from FC Goa in this encounter, which will be played at Fatorda Stadium will throw the top four race wide open. Atletico de Kolkata stand on the cusp of edging closer to becoming the second team after FC Mumbai City to book a place in the semis.
It is strange considering that Jose Molina’s side have barely kicked into second gear so far. They suddenly find themselves having goal-scoring problems and the situation has only got worse with Iain Hume and Sameehg Doutie missing out due to injury.
Goa could not have asked for a better opportunity to pull off a win and a late twist in the tale. Unfortunately for Zico, his side have been miserable at home, winning just a solitary game out of five. The Gaurs have shown signs of improvement over the course of the last two weeks, and Romeo Fernandes has been pivotal here, infusing energy to his side while going forward.
While Robin Singh has cut a cropper so far, Julio Cesar has turned out to be one of the finest buys in the tournament. The Brazilian will have to play a pivotal role if Goa has to breach the Kolkata backline. Cesar also has compatriot Richarlyson for company, who has also impressed in patches.
Kolkata have the know-how in the latter stages of the tournament and despite fielding a weaker team and going win-less in their last three games, are overwhelming favourites to win the game. Like many other sides in the Indian Super League, the Kolkata outfit also, have looked good away from home.
A lot rides on how Javi Lara can link up with marquee striker Helder Postiga. The Spaniard’s dead-ball ability is top class and it is an area that Kolkata would look to exploit. They have never lost a single game in their previous seven meetings. A loss here and the 2015 finalists’ top four chances will be over.
Match Facts
Venue: Rabindra Sarobar Stadium, Kolkata
Capacity: 12,000
Time: 7 pm IST
Last meeting: Atlético de Kolkata 1 - 1 FC Goa, October 16, 2016, at the Rabindra Sarobar Stadium, Kolkata
Head-to-head: Matches played: 7. Atlético wins: 2, Goa wins: 0, Draws: 5
Key Battles
Julio Cesar vs Arnab Mondal
The Brazilian has been one of the few bright spots in Goa’s bleak campaign. The Brazilian can play across the forward line and Kolkata have showed some susceptibility at the back. Cesar has a good shot, pace, and can play off the shoulders of the last defender too. Arnab Mondal has been solid for the most part but his supporting cast has let him down.
In the air, Cesar has a clear advantage but Mondal has established himself as one of the mainstays of the Kolkata side over the past year with his awareness.
Helder Postiga vs Gergory Arnolin:
Arnolin has been a let-down this season and he has a daunting task ahead of him as Postiga has looked in good touch after coming back from injury. Arnolin has seen many an forgettable evening for Goa against Kolkata.
This is the best chance of the Goan skipper to rewrite the poor record of his side against the inaugural ISL champions. A big part of it would be to keep the Portuguese striker quiet.
Expected Line-ups
FC Goa: Laxmikanth Kattimani; Debabrata Roy, Gregory Arnolin, Keenan Almeida, Raju Gaikwad; Sanjay Balmuchu, Richarlyson; Joffre, Romeo Fernandes, Rafael Coelho; Robin Singh
Atletico de Kolkata: Debjit Majumder; Tiri, Arnab Mondal, Pritam Kotal, Robert Lalthlamuana; Borja Fernandez, Ofentse Nato, Javier ‘Javi’ Lara Grande; Lalrindika Ralte, Helder Postiga, Iain Hume
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