ISL 2018-19: Goa vs Jamshedpur: Match preview and prediction
What's the story
Goa will host Jamshedpur tonight, and the match could be a thrilling affair keeping both teams' abilities in consideration. Goa are currently fourth on the league table with six wins from 11 matches, and Jamshedpur are fifth with four wins. The visitors have lost just one match this season, while drawing seven. Will Goa hand them their second loss of the season?
FC Goa
How are the hosts looking ahead of the encounter?
The hosts will be eager to avenge their 4-1 defeat at the hands of Jamshedpur early in the season. No injury or suspension concern will surely be a boost to them ahead of the encounter, which they will want to win to keep their top-four position in the table. Goa coach Sergio Lobera could opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation for tonight's match.
Jamshedpur
Are Jamshedpur ready for this evening's challenge?
Jamshedpur will be coming off four straight unbeaten matches, but have to score goals consistently and not draw any more matches. Carlos Calvo is serving a three-match ban for a racist remark and will play no part in the match tonight. They have bought Naveen Kumar from Kerala Blasters, and have also replaced Miguel Palanca by adding Moroccan attacker Zaid Krouch to their squad.
Key players
Who will be the key players in tonight's fixture?
With 10 goals and five assists to his name, Ferran Corominas could be Goa's match-winning player. Talismanic midfielder Ahmed Jahouh's return from suspension will be a major boost for the hosts, as will the form of Edu Bedia, who has scored five goals and provided four assists so far. Memo and Arques' form in midfield will be vital for Jamshedpur.
TV listing
Predicted line-up and TV listing
FC Goa: Nawaz; Mandar, Ali, Fall, Seriton; Jahouh, Lenny; Bedia, Boumous, Brandon; Corominas. Jamshedpur FC: Subrata; Jairu, Pratik, Tiri, Gurung; Memo, Arques; Farukh, Cidoncha, Jerry; Cahill. The match is scheduled to kick-off from 7:30 PM and will be telecast on the Star Sports network. It can also be live-streamed on Hotstar or Jio TV.
Prediction
How can the encounter turn out tonight?
Goa are surely the better side and have an advantage with prolific goalscorers like Corominas and Bedia in their ranks. This is also a match on their home turf. However, Jamshedpur have been a tough nut to crack this season, and they cannot be overruled easily. Goa might pick up the victory with a scoreline of 2-1.