FC Goa with renowned confidence takes their chances against a Chennaiyin FC team delighted by the return of their goal machine, Nerijus Valskis. Both the clubs are about to play their last game of the first half of the season.
FCG vs CFC Match Details :
When: Saturday, January 8th
Time: 19:30 (IST)
Where: GMC Athletic Stadium
FCG vs CFC Match Preview :
Both FC Goa and Chennaiyin had a sparkling start to the new year. Derrick Pereira's men could have obtained much more but settled for a point against an agile Kerala Blasters team after a 2-2 draw. Unsettled by their persisting off-field issues with their training ground and the season getting marred by injuries & suspensions on the pitch, this is the best FC Goa can offer at the moment. The Gaurs had to work hard for the game on Sunday battling out for the equaliser after going 2-0 behind in the game through goals from Jeakson Singh and Adrian Luna. Jorge Ortiz responded quickly soon after before Edu Bedia scored a wonderful Olympic goal to share the points. All of the goals came in the first half. A point to begin the new year was a much-required one for their progress was halted by a morale-deflating loss to ATK Mohun Bagan after the early season falloff. Having said that, FC Goa have failed to win in any of their previous four games. The Orange Army now aims for one against a side craving for consistency.
Bandanovic's men came up with all three points rather than a draw against their rival for the playoff place this season, Jamshedpur FC. Polish striker Lukasz Gikiewicz's strike on the half-hour mark was enough for Chennaiyin to register their fourth win of the campaign. Their backline wasn't penetrated for the first time since early December and with the forwards finding feet, Chennaiyin FC can now try to move away from the 6th place on the table to make the playoff and the title race even more interesting at least momentarily. To help them meet their objectives of the campaign, star man Nerijus Valskis has arrived at his former club to add to his goal count which was paused after he left for Jamshedpur a season ago. The Lithuanian was the top scorer in the 2019/20 Hero ISL with 15 goals and helped Chennaiyin FC to the final of that campaign. Adding him to the exciting duo of Vladimir Koman and Mirlan Murzaev Chennaiyin FC feel something bubbling.
Recent Form :
FC Goa: WDDLD
Chennaiyin FC: LWLLW
FCG vs CFC Team News :
FC Goa was able to register Anwar Ali to strengthen up their defense after the U17 World Cupper received medical clearance from AIFF last year. His addition is a boost for the club and a relief for the player himself who carries so much potential to be a top grader in Indian football. Coach Derrick Pereira is pleased to know he has no new fitness concerns in the squad.
Bozidar Bandanovic gave the Chennaiyin FC fans the news they have been waiting for. On his return back to the club from Jamshedpur FC in this transfer window, Nerijus Valskis will be available to face FC Goa on Saturday. He is likely to be in the starting lineup. However, Ariel Borysiuk won't be available for this one with his injury. He is feeling better according to the coach from Montenegro and will be available for the next game against Hyderabad FC.
FCG vs CFC Expected Lineups :
FC Goa: Dheeraj Singh; Ivan Gonzalez, Dylan Fox, Aibanbha Dohling, Seriton Fernandes, Edu Bedia, Glan Martins, Saviour Gama, Muhammed Nemil, Devendra Murgaokar, Jorge Ortiz
Chennaiyin FC: Debjit Majumdar, Sajid Dhot, Slavko Damjanovic, Narayan Das, Reagan Singh, Vladimir Koman, GermanPreet Singh, Anirudh Thapa, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Mirlan Murzaev,
Nerijus Valskis
FCG vs CFC Head to Head :
This fixture has produced some fantastic clashes over the seasons. The last meeting between the sides ended in a 2-2 showpiece last year. Chennaiyin FC took the lead through Jakub Sylvestr hitting the net inside 13 minutes only for Igor Angulo, then of FC Goa, removing the deficit five minutes later. Lallianzuala Chhangte converted a cross from Reagan Singh in the second half to restore the lead before super-sub Ishan Pandita balanced the book late in the game.
FCG vs CFC Dream11 Team Prediction :
GK: Dheeraj (FCG)
DEF: Reagan (CFC), Ivan (FCG), Damjanovic (CFC), Das (CFC)
MID: Thapa (CFC), Bedia (FCG), Koman (CFC)
FW: Murzaev (CFC), Valskis (CFC), Ortiz (FCG)
