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What's he gotta do to inspire his side in making the ISL 2016 knockouts. In picture: FC Goa coach ZicoIANS

For the first time ever in the history of the Indian Super League, FC Goa could miss on a knockouts berth as they are shockingly at the bottom of the ISL 2016 table after completion of nine games. Can Zico's side produce any kind of magic with four more league games to go? We can't say.

FC Goa take on a struggling NorthEast United FC on Friday at the JLN stadium, Fatorda. After an initial impressive start that saw them stay atop the table for many days, the Guwahati-based side have slumped to the sixth position after three back-to-back losses.

Their star striker of the season, Emiliano Alfaro, is also out of Friday's game, owing to suspension and that is a major worry for Nelo Vingada's men. Goa, too, come to the game at the back of a defeat against Kerala Blasters in a game that saw two of their players sent off.

A win for either team is necessary to try and finish in top four after the end of their respective 13 league games. "The inspiration is in football, in football we see everything, in the first season we were at the bottom of the table at the start and then we won six games to qualify for the semi-finals," said Fernando Vannucci, assistant coach of FC Goa. "I'm not guaranteeing the same result this time but we are going to do everything in our power."

FC Goa are without striker Julio Cesar (injury) as well as defender Gregory Arnolin and Richarlyson (suspensions). For NorthEast United FC, attacking midfielder Romaric and custodian Subrata Paul are doubts for the game owing to minor injuries.

Head to head record

FC Goa 2-1 NorthEast United FC; two games drawn

Schedule

FC Goa vs NorthEast United FC is scheduled to kick off at 7 pm IST (2.30 pm BST) on November 11.

Where to watch live

India: TV - Star Sports 1/HD1, Star Sports 2/HD2, Star Sports 3/HD3

Star Gold, Star Utsav (Hindi)

Jalsha Movies (Bengali)

Asianet Movies (Malayalam)

Asianet Suvarna Plus (Kannada)

Live streaming - Hotstar.

Europe: TV - Star Gold

Australia, USA: TV - Fox Sports

Canada: TV - CBN, ATN Bangla

Bangladesh: TV - Channel 9

South-East Asia: TV - Eurosport

Live score - Twitter