Chennaiyin FC might have had an underwhelming season but their record against FC Goa has been impressive so far. They even managed to cruise to a 2-0 win at the start of the season which gave Marco Materazzi’s side hopes of resurrecting their league campaign.
While Jeje Lalpekhlua and Davide Succi have impressed in patches, they have not come anywhere close to Stiven Mendoza’s pyrotechnics of last year. The league table could have been a lot different had Jeje Lalpekhlua not missed his team’s initial run of games too.
For a team that prided itself on Italian-style organisation without the ball, Chennaiyin conceded way too many soft goals, which has cost them a top four spot – their previous encounter, a thrilling 3-3 draw against NorthEast United is a case in point.
FC Goa have gone backwards after reaching the final last season. The side has carried too many passengers in this campaign, which has cost the side dearly. After being mauled 1-5 by the rampant Delhi Dyanamos, Zico is expected to ring in some changes.
There is a talk that the Brazilian legend has handled his team shoddily. Despite Richarlyson and Julio Cesar impressing for Goa, they have been in and out of the starting lineup. The Gaurs’ discipline has also been woeful and suspensions only went on to destabilise the side, just when one thought they could turn a corner.
Goa have also failed to make home advantage count, deflating the enthusiasm of their passionate fans all through the round-robin stages. Losing for times at home is inexplicable for a team challenging to be in the top four.
Chennaiyin certainly have the know-how and a little bit more finesse across the pitch going for them in this fixture. Another difficult evening awaits the jaded Goa unit at the Fatorda Stadium.
Match Facts :
Venue: Fatorda Stadium, Goa
Capacity: 19,000
Time: 7 pm IST.
Last meeting: Chennaiyin FC 2-0 FC Goa, 13th October 2016
Head-to-head: Matches played: 6. Chennaiyin wins: 4, Goa wins: 2
Key Battles:
Mehrajuddin Wadoo vs Mandar Rao Desai
The Indian right-back’s form dipped from the lofty standards he set last season, but on his day, he is one of the most important players in Matterazzi’s setup. Wadoo has a stern test on his hands when he faces Goa’s flying winger Mandar Rao Desai, who hit the ground running quite late in the campaign.
Desai’s runs into the box may keep Wadoo pinned into his own half, a job that the Chennaiyin FC defender is more than adept at.
Jeje Lalpekhlua vs Gregory Arnolin
Jeje Lalpekhlua will be looking to end the tournament with a flourish. India’s No.9 has not yet held a game by the scruff of its neck so far and against an erratic, out-of-sorts defence, he gets the perfect opportunity increase his goal tally this year.
Gregory has recovered well after having a bit of a shocker in the early part of the campaign. Playing a high-line would be a disaster for Goa, especially against a side that has Jeje, whose clever, direct runs can leave a backline in disarray.
Expected Lineups:
Chennaiyin FC: Karanjit Singh; Bernard Mendy, Mehrajuddin Wadoo, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Eli Sabia; Hans Mulder, Siam Hangal, Raphael Augusto; Jayesh Rane Davide Succi, Jeje Lalpekhlua
FC Goa: Laxmikanth Kattimani; Keenan Almeida, Gregory Arnolin, Luciano, Debabrata Das; Sanjay Balmuchu, Richarlyson; Joffre, Mandar Rao Desai, Romeo Fernandes; Rafael Coelho
Buy an annual Scroll Membership to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!