Northeast United’s alarming slump came at a time when the team was doing just about enough to stay afloat in the upper echelons of the Indian Super League table. They have been found wanting in the last few games [three back-to-back losses] and it is their attackers who have to take the blame.

Emiliano Alfaro has gone relatively quiet after going on a goal-scoring spree in the early part of campaign. The rest of them have simply failed to turn up in front of goal and it has been a malaise that United coach Nelo Vingada has failed to take control of. Katsumi Yusa, who was expected to play a supporting role to the forwards and chip in with a goal or two of his own, has failed to make an impact.

To make matters worse for the Highlanders, they don’t have many goals from midfield. They, however, have plenty of industry and energy in the centre of the pitch. Vingada and side, though, can breathe easy here.

Goa have lost three of their last home games on the trot and are rock-bottom in the table. The ill-tempered clash against Kerala Blasters at Kochi a couple of days ago also showed that luck has also deserted them this season.

In Gregory Arnolin and Richarlyson, the Goans will be missing two pivotal figures for the game through suspension. The influential forward Julio Cesar continues to remain on the sidelines after suffering an injury.

ISL keeps throwing surprises and between the two teams, it is Goa who have the in-form goalscorer in Rafael Coelho. Who is going to create them for the Brazilian, one wonders?

Match Facts

Venue: Fatorda Stadium, Goa

Capacity: 19,000

Time: 7 pm IST.

Last meeting: NorthEast United 2-0 FC Goa, October 4th 2016, Indira Gandhi Stadium, Guwahati

Head-to-head: Matches played: 5. NorthEast wins: 1, Goa wins: 2, Draws: 2

Key Battles

Didier Zokora vs Rafael Coelho

The Ivorian defender has been one of the few consistent performers for United. With the goalscoring problems plaguing his team, it is vital that they maintain a clean sheet. Subrata Paul’s backup between the sticks, Wellington Gomes, has looked shaky. This is where Zokora’s experience is crucial for his side.

Coelho has shown that there is more to him than what meets the eye. He is one of the few complete forwards in the league and has multiple avenues to get on the score sheet. A lot depends on the kind of service he is provided, considering how depleted a unit the Gaurs are coming into this contest.

Keenan Almeida vs Katsumi Yusa:

The Japanese attacking midfielder misses plenty of chances but is a clever runner and can take defenders with him, opening up the space for Afano during build-up play. Almeida, like many of his teammates has gone quiet this season. A big performance here may infuse the inspiration that his team has been crying out for in the ISL so far.

Squads:

FC Goa: Laxmikanth Kattimani, Subhasish Roy Chowdhury, Sukhdev Patil, Lucio, Debabrata Roy, Denzil Franco, Fulganco Cardozo, Gregory Arnolin, Keenan Almeida, Luciano Sobrosa, Rafael Dumas, Raju Gaikwad, Sanjay Balmuchu, Joffre, Mandar Rao Dessai, Pratesh Shirodkar, Richarlyson, Romeo Fernandes, Sahil Tavora, Trindade Goncalves, Julio Cesar, Rafael Coelho, Reinaldo, Robin Singh

NorthEast United FC: Subrata Paul, TP Rehenesh, Wellington Gomes, Salam Ranjan Singh, Nirmal Chettri, Shouvik Ghosh, Robin Gurung, Reagan Singh, Mailson Alves, Gustavo Lazzaretti, Didier Zokora, Fanai Lalrempuia, Holicharan Narzary, Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Katsumi Yusa, Koffi Christian N’dri, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Rowllin Borges, Seityasen Singh, Wellington Priori, Romaric, Emiliano Alfaro, Nicolas Velez, Sasha Aneff, Robert Cullen, Sumeet Passi