FC Goa will take on Pune City in their second match of Indian Super League 2016 on Saturday at Fatorda Stadium in Margao. Both the teams are coming to the game at the back of defeats in their respective games.
Coach of the home team, Zico, has major defensive worries as the top three defenders are sidelined with injuries in the match, making Lucio the only key defender in the team. FC Pune City, meanwhile, are without Eugeneson Lyngdoh and coach Antonio Habas. Whether assistant coach Miguel will award a debut to marquee player Momo Sissoko, remains to be seen.
One star player for the away side who will not miss the match is India veteran defender Gouramangi Singh, who attempted 46 passes and made two blocks as well as two interceptions for his side in defence against Mumbai in their previous game, according to the ISL website.
"What we all can do is go out there and work hard and listen to what the coach is saying and asks us to do. So, we just got to stick to the coach's plan," said Gouramangi ahead of the match.
"I don't think there is any added pressure. We all are used to it and now it is not something new. You know it's definitely going to be a difficult game because Goa is playing at home and I am looking forward to the tough game and getting the three points," he added.
FC Goa, who come into the game at the back of a 2-0 defeat against NorthEast United, has been asked to perform to the best of their abilities by Zico in their first home game of the season.
You can be sure that we are going to come with all that we have. On the ground, we will give everything and I request the fans to keep supporting us. The relationship that we have with our fans gives us strength to give our very best," said Zico.
"It is a pleasure to be back in Goa to start the new season here. I'm not going to change my philosophy of the game just because of a loss. The day I decide to change my philosophy, I will stop coaching. My philosophy is always to play forward and look for the goal, look for the victory. This is the message I always pass to my players," the Brazil football legend added.
Schedule
FC Goa vs Pune City is scheduled to kick off at 7 pm IST (2.30 pm BST) on October 8.
Where to watch live
India: TV - Star Sports 1/HD.
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
