Gaurs need a point to qualify for knockout stage

by Chittu Shetty March 4, 2018

The Gaurs head into their last match of the season against Jamshedpur FC knowing that they require a solitary point to make it through to the knockout stage of the competition for the third time in four years.

After a mid season dip in form, FC Goa’s season was in danger of being derailed but Sergio’s men picked up their form in the last couple of games to keep them in contention for a spot. The Gaurs have scored 9 goals against FC Pune City and ATK, conceding just once in the process. With momentum on their side, they are looking to do the double over Steve Coppell’s men, having registered a narrow 2-1 win against them in Goa.

Naveen Kumar has been fantastic between the sticks for the side and has made a number of crucial saves to keep his side in contention. He will keep his place in the side. With Ali Mohammad out injured, Chinglensana Singh will take his place as he did against ATK. With Bruno Pinheiro returning to fitness, it will be interesting to see who the coach picks considering Sergio Juste netted the opener in the Gaurs’ last match. Seriton Fernandes and Narayan Das both put on superb performances against ATK and will occupy the fill back positions.

The head coach has a midfield selection headache in front of him with Ahmed Jahouh, Edu Bedia and Hugo Boumous all available. Boumous has been a fantastic driving force in midfield, contributing two goals and an assist so far and Sergio might be tempted to go with him as the attacking midfielder while option for a midfield pivot of Pronay Halder and Ahmed Jahouh. Manuel Lanzarote has netted 11 times this season and is in the race for the golden boot.

He will start on the wings along with Mandar Rao Dessai. Ferran Corominas scored his 16th goal of the season to cement his place at the top of the scoring charts for the league phase of the competition against ATK. He will once against occupy the forward position in an important game for the Gaurs.

Jamshedpur FC has the tightest defence in the league while the Gaurs have scored the most number of goals. This match will be the perfect battle between attack and defence. The Gaurs will have to keep an eye on Wellington Priori who has been brilliant for his side since he joined.

Also Read: Minerva slips to open up I league title race once again

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