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ISL 2020-21: FC Goa vs SC East Bengal: Preview, Team News, Timings, Live Streaming Info

As the race for the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) playoff heats up, third-placed FC Goa have gathered momentum on their side. They have been unbeaten in their last six games, winning thrice.

Weakened Goa face tricky test against hungry SC East Bengal. Credit: ISL Media

Goa, Jan 28: As the race for the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) playoff heats up, third-placed FC Goa have gathered momentum on their side. They have been unbeaten in their last six games, winning thrice.

But when they face SC East Bengal at the Fatorda Stadium on Thursday, they will face one of their toughest tests as they will likely be without their first-choice central defenders, Ivan Gonzalez and James Donachie.

FCG Team News

While Gonzalez was sent off in the 1-1 draw against Kerala Blasters, Goa suffered another huge blow as Donachie limped off.

Besides that, Goa will also miss the presence of coach Juan Ferrando on the touchline after the Spaniard was suspended against Kerala. However, the absentees are not a concern for assistant coach Clifford Miranda who feels Goa is heading in the right direction.

"The most important thing about this team during this period (unbeaten run) is the adaptation to the new coach," he said. "From ones (that were there) to the players that he got, it's never easy. Step by step, we are moving towards our objective and the way the coach wants the team to play."

The last time these two sides met, 10-man SCEB held Goa to a 1-1 draw and the highlight of the game was Bright Enobakhare's stunning solo goal. The Nigerian has since then made a major impact in all games, despite Robbie Fowler's side netting the least goals this season (11). But that doesn't mean Goa will be focusing on Bright alone.

"He is a good player, there's no doubt about it and has improved SC East Bengal since his arrival but there's no such plan as to stop one player because if we start concentrating on him, there are 9 other outfield players who can hurt us," said Miranda. "We will play the way we play."

SCEB Team News

SCEB will be keen to bounce back after seeing their seven-match unbeaten streak ended by leaders Mumbai City FC. Despite ending on the losing side, the Kolkata side dominated possession and was alive in the game right until the end. With Goa's key players absent, SCEB assistant coach Tony Grant believes they can certainly fancy their chances against their in-form opponents.

"It's certainly an opportunity (to get back to winning ways)," said the former Everton and Man City midfielder. "This season we lost our captain (Danny Fox) early on and it doesn't help. Every team is gonna hurt when you lose two of your better players."

It remains to be seen if India defender Adil Khan, on-loan from Hyderabad FC does make his debut for the Gaurs. Adil's teammate from his parent club, Arjuna awardee Subrata Paul, brought in with a similar agreement, is in line to make his red and gold homecoming after 12 long years.

FCG Squad:

Goalkeepers: Mohammad Nawaz, Naveen Kumar, Dylan D'Silva, Shubham Dhas. Defenders: Ivan Gonzalez, James Donachie, Seriton Fernandes, Aibanbha Dohling, Leander D'Cunha, Mohamed Ali, Sanson Pereira, Sarineo Fernandes, Saviour Gama. Midfielders: Edu Bedia, Flan Gomes, Jorge Ortiz, Brandon Fernandes, Alberto Noguera, Lenny Rodrigues, Redeem Tlang, Seiminlen Doungel, Nestor Dias, Phrangki Buam, Princeton Rebello, Alexander Jesuraj, Makan Chothe. Forwards: Igor Angulo, Ishan Pandita, Aaren D'Silva, Devendra Murgaonkar.

SCEB Squad:

Goalkeepers: Debjit Majumder, Rafique Ali, Mirshad Michu, Sankar Roy Defenders: Abhishek Ambekar, Anil Chawan, Daniel Fox, Gurtej Singh, Lalramchullova, Mohamed Irshad, Nayaran Das, N Rohen Singh, Novin Gurung, Rana Gharami, Samad Mallick, Scott Neville, Pritam Singh Midfielders: Aaron Amadi Holloway, Anthony, Bikash Jairu, Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Haobam Singh, Jacques, Loken Meitei, Milan Singh, Mohammed Rafique, Sehnaj Singh, Surchandra Singh, Matti Steinmann, Wahengbam Luwan, Yumnam Singh Forwards: Balwant Singh, CK Vineeth, Girik Khosla, Harmanpreet Singh, Jeje Lalpekhlua

Match Details:

Date: Jan 29 (Friday)

Time: 7:30pm IST

Live on: Star Sports Network

Live Streaming on: Disney+Hotstar VIP, Jio TV

Source: ISL Media

Story first published: Thursday, January 28, 2021, 17:22 [IST]
Other articles published on Jan 28, 2021