I-League 2018-19: Real Kashmir vs Gokulam- Match preview and prediction
Real Kashmir will be hosting Gokulam tomorrow in their return fixture of the I-League. While the northerners are third on the league table with 29 points from 15 matches, Gokulam are tenth with 12 points from 14 matches. Kashmir have been the surprise package this season, and Gokulam will have to pull off a miracle to manage a victory. Here's our detailed match preview.
How are Real Kashmir looking at the moment?
Under their coach David Robertson, Kashmir have shown real promise this season. They will be confident when they take on Gokulam. A victory tomorrow would keep them in the title race. Kashmir have remained undefeated in their last 11 matches, while defeating table-toppers Chennai in both their encounters and drawing their matches with second-placed Churchill Brothers.
Are Gokulam ready for the massive challenge?
Gift Raikhan has been a valuable addition to relegation-threatened Gokulam, as it was after his arrival that they drew their last two fixtures. They even showed great quality against Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan, whom they held to a 2-2 draw. They have not won a single fixture out of their last nine, and will hope for a change in fortunes tomorrow.
Who will be the key players in the match?
Gnohere Krizo and Abednego Tetteh, who are likely to return tomorrow from their respective suspensions, will be vital forwards for Kashmir. Coach David Robertson's son Mason has also proved to be one of the most important players for the team. Gokulam, meanwhile, will want Marcus Joseph to lead them forward and score goals. Daniel Addo and Mudde Musa will be their key in defense.
Predicted line-up and TV listing
Real Kashmir: Khan, Ravanan, Enniyana, Katebe, Thapa, Singh, Ganie, Armand, Farooq, Krizo, Robertson. Gokulam: Das Sharma, Irshad, Musa, Addo, Muirang, Balan, Vorbe, Castro, Khan, Suhair, Joseph. The match is scheduled to kick-off at 2:00 PM, and will be broadcast on the Star Sports network. It can also be live-streamed on Hotstar or Jio TV.
How can tomorrow's fixture turn out to be?
The balance is in Kashmir's favor for tomorrow's encounter. Gokulam, though have improved since their last two fixtures, will hardly be any match to Robertson's army. Kashmir will also have the home and weather advantages to their aid tomorrow. They can win the fixture 3-0.
What should be the ideal Fantasy XI formation?
Use a 4-3-3 formation for the match with Bilal Khan as the goal-keeper. Use Ravanan and Muirang as the left and right backs, and Musa and Katebe as the center-backs for the fixture. Vorbe, Castro, and Ganie can be the mid-fielders. Choose Mason Robertson as the center-forward, and Suhair and Marcus Joseph as the left and right forwards respectively.