FC Goa face Chennaiyin FC in the second leg of the Indian Super League semi-finals, looking to overturn a 4-1 deficit. Goa will be boosted by the return of Edu Bedia who missed the game in Chennai due to personal reasons. (More Football News)
There is more good news as Brandon Fernandes and Hugo Boumous, who were injured for last week's tie, are back in contention for a start. Boumous, in particular, has been in spectacular form this season having scored 10 and assisted 11 in 14 matches.
With the return of Brandon, Goa would hope for better deliveries from wide positions, something which was missing from their game in the first leg. Ferran Corominas will play as a number nine after playing as a withdrawn forward in the last game. The Spanish striker has 14 goals to his name this season and Goa need his goals now more than ever.
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Meanwhile, Chennaiyin FC would look to score first and make the task even more improbable for the home side. Should Chennaiyin find the back of the net, Goa would need at least five goals to move to the final. Coach Owen Coyle has mentioned that his players would not be lackadaisical in the second leg, despite enjoying a three-goal lead.
He would also ask for an improved performance from the front three of Nerijus Valskis, Rafael Crivellaro and Andre Schembri who had a quiet game by their standards. Goa also need to keep a check on the Chennaiyin attackers who are more than capable of hurting the opponent through a quick counterattack.
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Match: Return Leg of Indian Super League (ISL) 2019 -20 1st Semi-Final between FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC
Date: March 7 (Saturday)
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda
TV Channels: Star Sports Network
Live Streaming: Hotstar, Jio TV
Key Facts:
- Chennaiyin FC are in the midst of their longest unbeaten run in a Hero ISL season. (9 matches)
- If Goa manage to go to the final, it will be the 3rd time in ISL history where a team lost the semi-final 1st leg but went on to appear in the final. Goa managed the same feat in 2015 and Bengaluru in 2018-19.
- FC Goa have conceded 12 goals in the first 15 mins of the second half. (highest in the league)
Likely XIs:
FC Goa: Mohammad Nawaz (GK), Carlos Pena, Seriton Fernandes, Mourtada Fall, Mandar Rao Dessai, Lenny Rodrigues, Ahmed Jahouh, Brandon Fernandes, Jackichand Singh, Hugo Boumous, Ferran Corominas.
Chennaiyin FC: Vishal Kaith, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Lucian Goian, Eli Sabia, Laldinliana Renthlei, Anirudh Thapa, Edwin Vanspaul, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Rafael Crivellaro, Andre Schembri, Nerijus Valskis.
