The league’s most attacking side comes up against the best defensive unit in what promises to be an enthralling finale to the second edition of the Indian Super League (ISL)…
After 60 matches spanning over 77 days and 181 goals, one shall witness the most decisive clash of the Indian Super League’s (ISL) second edition when FC Goa take on Chennaiyin FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa on Sunday evening.
Both teams have faced each other on four occasions with FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC winning two apiece. Incidentally, what must be noted is that both teams failed to make the most of their home advantage and only managed to win their away fixtures.
FC Goa have scored 32 goals in 16 matches and have kept three clean-sheets on home soil. Their biggest defeat in Goa (4-0) came at the hands of Chennaiyin FC though.
Zico’s side will be boosted with Rafael Coelho being passed fit after the Brazilian striker was stretchered off in the second leg of the semis. FC Goa have a host of strikers to play alongside the Brazilian with Dudu Omagebmi making a strong case after a powerful performance against Delhi Dynamos earlier this week. They also have Thongkhosiem Haokip who has a brilliant first touch and links up well with his fellow attackers. Victorino Fernandes and Chinadorai Sabeeth are the other options.
Reinaldo, who has seven goals and four assists to his name, may not be 100 per cent but coach Zico did mention that the Brazilian striker could play a part in the finale.
At the back, Laxmikant Kattimani is preferred and it’s fair to state that the custodian has done a good job conceding only 13 goals in the 12 matches he has played in. Marquee signing Lucio will be expected to lead the defence alongside Gregory Arnolin with Pronay Halder once again expected to play the role of a third centre-back.
The Goa boss foresees a close encounter on Sunday evening, stating that his side's opponents fully deserve their place in the finals.
“They are a team that has got to the semi-final by merit. They got to the semi-finals by a host of good performances. It is going to be an equal game,” he said, speaking at the pre-match press conference on Saturday.
The key question for Zico would be whether he decides to go all out in attack by naming Mandar Rao Desai and Romeo Fernandes in the starting eleven or instead opt for Narayan Das as one of the two wing-backs. Oppositions have often looked to attack down the flanks and exploit the space left behind by the attacking wing-backs.
Raju Gaikwad has been ruled out of the ISL final after picking up an injury in the first leg of the semis.
It’s fair to state that Goa’s USP this season has been their midfield. Leo Moura’s ability to keep the ball and pick passes at will has been a highlight of their campaign. Add to this Jofre Mateu who has an uncanny ability to pick the run of his attackers and pop into the box to add more players in attack. His performances especially in the last three-to-four matches have helped Goa make it into the finals.
The last time Goa played Chennaiyin FC at the Marina Arena, Zico had deployed Bikramjit Singh to mark Elano and the Mohun Bagan midfielder negated the threat of the former Manchester City playmaker. A lot would be expected from Bikramjit in that role on Sunday as well.
Unlike Goa, Chennaiyin FC have a strong spine. They have arguably the best goalkeeper over the course of two seasons in their line-up in Apoula Edel. The former PSG custodian has never been on the losing side against FC Goa and out of the four penalties he has faced this term, he has stopped two and got a hand on the other two as well.
Mailson Alves is likely to partner Bernard Mendy in the centre-back role with Dhanachandra Singh and Mehrajuddin Wadoo as the two full-backs. Chennaiyin FC would hope that Wadoo recovers in time for the final after picking up a knock in the second leg of the semis.
Chennaiyin FC have conceded the least number of goals this season - 17 from 16 games of which five have been through penalties. Almost all of their defenders are tall which gives them an advantage in aerial duels.
The biggest miss for the Blues from Chennai could be the absence of Raphael Augusto. Materazzi has implied that the midfielder is no longer injured but whether or not he is fit to play, let alone start, remains to be seen. His ability to shield the ball in tight spaces would certainly be missed if he fails to feature. Harmanjot Khabra and Manuele Blasi would then pair up in the middle of the park. The onus will be on the duo to ensure Leo Moura and Jofre Mateu do not enjoy a lot of time on the ball or are being afforded space to maneuver.
"There are no injuries. You fear muscle injuries which Raphael and Dhanpal (Ganesh) had. We are ready for the final whether 90 or 120 minutes," Materazzi informed.
Thoi Singh’s work rate has been commendable with 67 tackles and 25 interceptions to his name, the highest by any Chennaiyin player. They will look to rely on his pace down the right to make the most of the space left behind by Mandar or Narayan who are known to not be vulnerable defensively.
The big question for Materazzi would be whether to start with Elano Blumer or Bruno Pelissari. Elano has been in top form at the start of the season but has been far from his best in the latter part of the campaign. Being deployed on the left hasn’t suited him either as he hasn’t been able to help out in defence. On the other hand, Pelissari is far more mobile and is in better nick.
John Stiven Mendoza will lead the line and his pace shall certainly trouble the rigid Goan trio in defence. They also have the option of calling Fikru Tefera from the bench whose confidence would have surely been boosted after scoring his first goal this season in the last game.
The final promises to be a spectacle as Goa look to win in front of their home fans while Chennaiyin FC will hope to defy the odds once again. The best attacking unit goes head-to-head against the best defensive side at the Fatorda!
Kick off is at 7 PM IST from the Nehru Stadium.