ISL 2018-19: Pune City vs Goa: A pre-match report
Pune City will be facing a tough competition tonight from FC Goa as they host the 4th placed team on the league table. Goa players will come off fresh from a long rest and will surely be confident against a side which has allowed 21 goals past them this term. Though Goa have not won their last two matches, Pune face a stiff challenge.
How are the two teams shaping up for the encounter?
Pune's Ashique Kuruniyan and Lalchhuanmawia Fanai remain doubtful due to injuries, while Sahil Panwar will remain suspended after collecting four yellow cards. Pune will most likely field a 4-3-3 formation with Robin Singh, Ian Hume, and Marcelinho as the front three. Goa will most likely field a 4-2-3-1 formation with Corominas as the striker. The visitors have no injury or suspension concerns tonight.
Key players from the two sides
Pune's front-three of Singh, Hume and Marcelinho are among the finest ISL players but somehow have not managed to produce magic this term. If these three fire up, they can create problems for the opposition tonight. Ferran Corominas will be the biggest threat for Pune as he has already netted in eight goals this term, and is in the race for the Golden Boot.
Probable line-ups and TV listing
Pune City FC: Kamaljit; Golui, Mills, Gurtej, Mehta; Adil, Vila, Stankovic; Robin, Marcelinho, Hume. FC Goa: Nawaz; Seriton, Fall, Ali, Pena; Lenny, Jahouh; Brandon, Boumous, Jackichand; Corominas. The match is scheduled to kick-off at 7:30 PM, and can be watched on the Star Sports network or live-streamed on Hotstar.
Match prediction: Who will win the fixture?
Goa are the favorites tonight as they have a prolific goalscoring record this term, while Pune's defense has been terrible. In the return fixture, Goa had put four past Pune, and there is no reason to believe this time there will be a different story. Goa still have two matches in hand and can solidify their position in the playoffs with a win.
What story does the league table tell us?
Bengaluru are still at the top with 24 points and are followed by Mumbai who have 21. NorthEast United are third, with 20 points. The table-toppers have a match in hand which can help them solidify their position as the numero uno team before the playoffs. Former winners ATK and Chennaiyin have fared poorly, with ATK collecting 16 and Chennaiyin five points so far.
