FC Goa will target their first points of the new Indian Super League season when they face Atletico de Kolkata at the Rabindra Sarobar Stadium. While ATK are unbeaten so far in ISL 2016, FC Goa have started their campaign with three straight losses.
So, if the finalists from last year are to return to the marquee game again this season, they need to start changing their form, and three points in Kolkata will be a good start.
In the three matches played so far, FC Goa have let in six goals, two each in every game, while scoring in just one. That is not the kind of side that enthralled the fans last season, scoring goals for fun and attacking with plenty of verve.
Zico needs to find a way to get his players back to their optimum levels, particularly going forward, but it won't be easy, considering ATK are one of the strongest teams in the ISL.
"I think all the games that we have ahead of us are difficult games now and we need to have the strength to try and avert the situation that we are in now," Zico told reporters.
"If you see we have got no points now, but if we win this game, then we will be just behind Kolkata. I think they have five points. Nothing is lost and we have got to persevere and continue giving our best. Whether you are first or fourth in the standings it doesn't matter, we just got to be there in the top four."
ATK might be unbeaten in their three games, but two of those have been draws. The ISL 2014 winners started the season with a 2-2 draw against Chennaiyin, before picking up a 1-0 win in Kerala. Javi Lara, who scored that winning goal against the Blasters, then struck again to salvage a point for Atletico de Kolkata in Mumbai.
Now that they are back at home, Jose Molina's side will target all three points. "We will have to play harder than them to win," Molina said. "It is an important match to us. We are playing at home so we have to try and win every match at home. Especially the one (against FC Goa), it is very important to us.
"I am sure it will be a good match, a tough match. They will play very strong since they are looking for their first win."
Where to Watch Live
ATK vs Goa is scheduled for a 7pm IST (2.30pm BST, 9.30am ET) start. Live Streaming and TV information is below.
India: TV: Star Sports 4, Star Sports HD4, Star Gold, Asianet Movies, Jalsha Movies. Live Streaming: Hotstar (also available in other countries).
UAE: TV: Abu Dhabi Sports.
UK: TV: Star Gold.
Europe: TV: EuroSport.
USA and Australia: TV: Fox Sports.
Canada: TV: CBN, ATN.
South-East Asia: TV: Eurosport.
