The runners up of the 2018-19 edition, FC Goa will begin their new season by hosting Chennayin FC.
Two-time champions, ChennaIyin FC, however, had a forgetful campaign in the previous year as they finished at the bottom of the points table.
Chennai will be looking to redeem itself and start off on a positive note to set the tone for the rest of the games.
Match Details
Date- Wednesday, October 23 | Kick-Off- 7:30 PM (IST) | Venue- Fatodra Stadium
FC Goa
Ahmed Jahouh is ruled out since he was shown a red card in the finals last season. In terms of players who could be in the team sheet, Sergio Lobera should opt for Mohammad Nawaz to keep between the sticks. Seriton Fernandes, Mourtada Fall, Carlos Pena and Mandar Rao could comprise the back four. Edu Bedi, Hugo Bomous, Brandon Fernandes, Jackichand Singh should feature in at midfield. Whereas, Seiminlen Doungel and Ferran Corominas could lead the attack.
ChennaIyin FC
Jeje Lalpekhula is on the road to recovery after undergoing knee surgery earlier this year. His availability against FC Goa is highly unlikely. John Gregory will have to come with a team and shape that suits his players the best.
Vishal Kaith is expected to be the goalkeeper. While Laldinliana Renthlei, Lucian Goian, Masih Saighani and Tondonba Singh could fill in for defensive duties. Dhapal Ganesh, Anirudh Thapa, Andre Schembri and Rafael Crivallero should take charge of midfield. Whereas, Dragos Firtulescu and Lallianzuala Chhangte could be played up top.
Predicted Lineups
FC Goa: Naveen-Kumar, Seriton Fernandes, Mourtada Fall, Carlos Pena, Mandar Rao Desai, Edu Bedia, Hugo Boumous, Lenny Rodrigues, Jackichand Singh, Seiminlen Doungel, Ferran Corominas
Chennaiyin FC: Vishal Kaith, Laldinliana Renthlei, Lucian Goian, Masih Saighani, Tondonba Singh, Dhanpal Ganesh, Anirudh Thapa, Andre Schembri, Rafael Crivallero, Dragos Firtulescu, Lallianzuala Chhangte
Key Points
FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC both have six wins each and a draw to their name of the 13 previous meetings between the two sides.
Ferran Corominas will certainly be one of the players to watch out for from Goa’s perspective. The Spaniard with 34 goals in the league is the all-time leading goal scorer and will be eyeing a third straight Golden Boot award.
Lucian Goian having moved from Mumbai City FC will play a big role in defence and an even bigger role as the captain of Chennaiyin FC.
FCG vs CFC Dream11 Today Match Prediction | Fantasy Team
Goalkeeper- Naveen-Kumar
Defenders- S Fernandes, M Fall, L Goian, L Renthlei
Midfielders- E Bedia, H Boumous, B Fernandes, A Thapa
Forwards- F Corominas (C), A Schembri