Match: NorthEast United v FC Goa
Date: 4 October, Tuesday
Time: 9:30pm SGT/7pm IST/2:30pm BST
Venue: Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati
Competition: Indian Super League 2016
TV Coverage: There is no TV coverage of the 2016 ISL clash between NorthEast United and FC Goa in Singapore.
Live Streaming: Hotstar
Overview
Northeast United host FC Goa in their second Indian Super League 2016 fixture at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on 4 October.
The hosts will be high on confidence when they take on the 2015 runners-up after having won their season opener 1-0 against Kerala Blasters on Saturday. Midfielder Katsumi Yusa scored the only goal of the match in Guwahati after a dull first half, in which both the sides struggled to create enough chances.
Lack of decisiveness and first-choice custodian Subrata Paul's goof-ups would have concerned coach Nelo Vingada. The Portuguese tactician maintained that the Highlanders needed considerable improvement if they dreamt of making it past the group stages in the tournament.
With Robin Gurung and Reagan Singh playing as full-backs, Gustavo Lazzaretti and Malison Alves came up with a decent show against the Blasters, who failed to capitalise on the chances they had.
Yusa will once again be crucial to the NorthEast midfield, that had Ivory Coast footballer Romaric and Rowlin Borges. Vingada would be hoping his marquee player Didier Zokora is available for Tuesday's game.
Argentine striker Nicolas Velez would want to get on the scoresheet after a goalless outing in the first game.
On the other hand, Zico-coached Goa would want to continue from where they left in the previous season. They suffered a heartbreak in the 2015 final against eventual winners Chennaiyin FC despite having the lead in the game.
However, star Indian striker Robin Singh's injury could affect their plans in the upcoming games. The Goan unit will also miss first-choice goalkeeper Gregory Arnolin for the Tuesday's clash and would be banking on Laxmikant Kattimani to do the job at the goal.
Marque signing Lucio will prove to be a huge presence along with Brazilian counterpart Rafael Dumas in their defence. Rafael Coelho and Reinaldo are likely to lead the line for the visitors against NorthEast United. Indian midfielders Mandar Rao Desai and Remo Fernandez would want to make an impact in the ongoing season.
FC Goa have been among the most consistent sides in the last two editions and are known to play eye-catching football. Zico side, who will be playing in front of a passionate NorthEast crowd on Tuesday, would want to display mental toughness and begin the 2016 season on a high.
TV Schedule
Australia: Fox Sports 1 Australia
Bhutan: Star Sports 3 Asia
Bangladesh: Star Sports 3 Asia
Nepal: Star Sports 3 Asia
India: Star Sports 3
Team News
NorthEast United
Possible XI: Subrata Paul; Robin Gurung, Gustavo Lazzaretti, Mailson Alves, Nirmal Reagan Singh; Holicharan Narzary, Didier Zokora, Katsumi Yusa Rowlin Borges; Emiliano Alfaro, Nicolas Velez
FC Goa
Possible XI: Laxmikant Kattimani, Rafael Dumas, Lucio, Keenan Almeida; Mandar Rao Desai, Richarlyson Barbosa, Prates Shirodkar, Joffre, Remo Fernandes; Rafael Coelho, Reinaldo
