FC Goa and Chennaiyin to Lock Horns in Opening Battle

CHENNAI:
FC Goa take on Chennaiyin FC in their first game of the fourth season of the Hero Indian Super League at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai. With the ISL becoming a longer league in 2017, both teams have made a number of changes to their squad. Legendary managers, Zico and Marco Materazzi will not be leading their sides out for the first time in the history of the ISL. They have been replaced by Sergio Lobera and John Gregory. The rivalry between these teams has always been fiery and engaging and it looks no different this season.
Sergio Lobera brings a different style of play to the table and he is adamant that he has the players to make this work. Laxmikant Kattimani had been handed the captain’s armband for the Gaurs and he will start the game in goal. Narayan Das is likely to start at left back while Chinglensana Singh and one of Bruno Pinheiro or Sergio Juste will start as centre halves. It will be a toss up between Seriton Fernandes and youngster Amey Ranawade for the right back slot.
With a wealth of options in midfield, it will be interesting to see who the coach eventually picks to start the game. Pronay Halder and Ahmed Jahouh are likely options in the central midfield positions. The attacking and wing positions will be a tough choice for Sergio who will have to choose between Edu Bedia, Manuel Lanzarote, Brandon Fernandes, Mandar Rao Dessai and Manuel Arana. Ferran Corominas will be a likely starter up front with Manvir Singh giving him competition for the spot in the absence of Adrian Colunga.
The Gaurs are blessed with a lot of pace in their side while Chennaiyin have strength in their midfield. This promises to be an exciting contest as both teams will look for a solid start to their respective campaigns.