FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC meet in an all-ISL clash in the quarterfinals of the Durand Cup 2023.
FCG vs CFC Match Details
Date: Saturday, 26 August 2023
Time: 18:00 (IST)
Venue: Indira Gandhi Stadium, Guwahati
FCG vs CFC Match Preview
FC Goa have been in rampaging form in the Durand Cup season, having significantly changed their squad and management. ISL winner with Hyderabad FC last year, Manolo Marquez has taken the helm while a series of high-level signings have given a sense of excitement and optimism for the new season. However, it was their existing star Noah Sadaoui that sparkled in this tournament scoring a splendid hat-trick in the 6-0 mauling of Shillong Lajong and converting a late penalty to save his side a point in the 2-2 draw against NorthEast United. New arrivals Rowlin Borges, on loan from Mumbai City, Carlos Martinez and Victor Rodriguez chipped in with their goal contributions as well. The Gaurs also came out of the group stages undefeated after a 3-0 victory over DownTown Heroes in the final group game. Edging the Highlanders by goal difference to top their group, they will now face Chennaiyin FC as they aim for the trophy won two years ago for the first time. Carrying a vibrant form and staying undefeated against Marina Machans in four of the last five matches, Goa will be confident of progressing from the tie to the next round.
There have been changes in Chennaiyin FC as well, none more prominent than the return of Owen Coyle for his second spell at the club. He was the last manager to take them to the ISL final and won the Winner’s Shield with Jamshedpur FC in his last managerial job in India. It has breathed new life into Chennaiyin FC with a squad revamp making them look positive again. In the 2023 Durand Cup, the Marina Machans won their group comfortably winning three out of three after beating fellow ISL side Hyderabad FC, Tribhuwan Army Club and promoted I-League team Delhi FC. Another candidate returning to the team, Rafael Crivellaro contributed wholly to those victories and will hope to carry on his and the team’s form in the knockouts now. Chennaiyin beat Goa in the last meeting in ISL, but both teams with their coach have changed. So, Saturday’s contest is expected to be a new one. The club from South India are also serious about winning silverware which has eluded them since their ISL triumph in 2018. The winner of this tie will either face Mohun Bagan or Mumbai City in the semifinals which will be a cracker synonymous to this encounter.
FCG vs CFC Dream11 Team Prediction
GK: H Tiwari (Cr - 7, Pts - 38)
DEF: Jhingan (Cr - 8, Pts - 58), DCunha (Cr - 7.5, Pts - 82) Sangwan (Cr - 7.5, Pts - 39)
MID: Crivellaro (Cr - 9, Pts - 108), B Fernandes (Cr - 8.5, Pts - 39), Borges (Cr - 8, Pts - 94), Baretto (Cr - 8.5, Pts - 75)
FW: Murray (Cr - 9, Pts - 103), C Martinez (Cr - 8.5, Pts - 151), Sadaoui (Cr - 9, Pts - 198)
Vice-captain: Naoh Sadaoui or Rafael Crivellaro
Captain: Rafael Crivellaro or Naoh Sadaoui
