ISL 2018-19: FC Goa vs Kerala Blasters: Preview and prediction
What's the story
FC Goa will be taking on Kerala Blasters in their Indian Super League return fixture tomorrow. While Goa are second on the league table with 28 points from 15 matches, Kerala are eighth with 14 points from 16 matches. It will be a challenge for Kerala to face Goa, but it remains to be seen whether they can stop the in-form hosts.
FC Goa
How are Goa looking ahead of the match?
Goa have remained undefeated in their last five fixtures, and will be confident when they face Kerala tomorrow. They also managed to defeat Mumbai City, one of the strongest performers this season with a 2-0 scoreline before defeating ATK 3-0 in their last match. Goa will have no injury or suspension concerns going into the match tomorrow.
Kerala Blasters
Are Kerala ready for the encounter?
Kerala Blasters defeated Chennaiyin FC at home in their last match, which was also their first home victory of this season. Since January, the Blasters have shown some grit, drawing against the likes of Bengaluru FC and ATK. Kerala have no chance of making it to the playoff round this term, but should play for their pride. They also have no injury or suspension.
Key players
Who will be the key players in the match tomorrow?
Corominas, Goa's lethal goalscorer will be their trump card while looking for goals against the Blasters. He has been unstoppable this season, netting a total of 13 goals while providing six assists, and can prove to be a danger to the Blasters' defense tomorrow. Samad will be important in the Blasters' midfield, as will be Matej Poplatnik when it comes to scoring.
TV listing
Predicted lineup and TV listing
FC Goa: Kumar, Fernandes, Fall, Pena, Desai, Jahouh, Rodrigues, Singh, Bedia, Fernandes, Corominas. Kerala Blasters: Dheeraj Singh, Rakip, Jhingan, Edathodika, Lalruatthara, Samad, Pekuson, Kizito, Doungel, Poplatnik, Stojanovic. The match is scheduled to kick-off from 7:30 PM and can be viewed on the Star Sports network or live-streamed on Hotstar and Jio TV.
Match prediction
How can the match turn out tomorrow?
It will surely be a tough job for Kerala to stop FC Goa tomorrow, but they cannot certainly be written off from the encounter especially after drawing with Bengaluru and defeating Chennaiyin FC. Goa certainly have the home advantage and will try and capitalize on it by putting pressure on Kerala from the start. We predict the match to go 2-0 in Goa's favor.
Fantasy XI
What should be the ideal Fantasy XI for the match?
Choose Naveen Kumar as the goalkeeper keeping a 4-3-3 formation in mind. Rakip and Rao can be the left and right backs respectively with Jhingan and Fall can act as the central defenders. Rodrigues, Pekuson, and Singh can be the midfielders while Corominas, Fernandes, and Stojanovic take up attacking duties.