FC Goa are in dire need of some form of inspiration to ignite their season. Zico, Robert Pires and co. will hope that inspiration and victory will come their way on Diwali day Thursday against Atletico de Kolkata in the Indian Super League.
Having started their campaign with a loss to Chennaiyin FC at home, FC Goa then picked up their first ever points in the ISL courtesy a 1-1 draw in Guwahati against NorthEast United.
While that point away from home was welcome, FC Goa really need three points, and a victory at home in front of their own fans will be welcome.
"This is a very important game for us," said Goa manager Zico. "I think a win from us is very important and even for the tournament. We need to win the games on the home ground since we lost the first match in Goa. A win is very important. It will balance everything out."
FC Goa came into the Indian Super League with plenty of hopes of scoring goals, goals and more goals. With Pires as their playmaker, Goa were expected to find the back of the net with regularity right from match one.
However, having managed just two goals in two matches so far, Zico acknowledged the need for improvement in front of goal.
"It is important as a team to create opportunities," added the Brazilian. "It wasn't so only in the second game but even in the first. It is important to take the right call and do the right things so that we can put the ball into the back of the net."
Zico also stressed on the importance of not putting too much pressure on Arsenal legend Pires, who has not quite hit his heights as yet.
"Don't put any pressure on him," said Zico. "He may be older than most other guys but he's a professional. We know his limitations but he's still got a lot to show. He's a very important player for the side."
For Atletico de Kolkata, this match will be about getting back to their winning groove. Having picked up two wins out of two in their opening two matches, Delhi Dynamos broke the Kolkata club's 100 percent record with a 1-1 draw at the Salt Lake Stadium on Sunday.
"The team has been working very well throughout the week and we're looking forward to the match tomorrow," said Atletico de Kolkata midfielder Lester Fernandes.
Where to Watch Live
The match is scheduled for a 7 pm IST (2.30 pm BST, 9.30 am ET) start with live coverage in India provided by a whole host of channels including Star Sports 2,Star Sports HD2, Star Sports 3, Star Gold,Asianet Movies, Suvarna Channel and Jalsha Movies. Viewers can also watch the ISL Derby via free live streaming online on Starsports.com.
US viewers can live stream the action on FoxSoccer2go, while Europe viewers can catch the action live on Eurosport or their online Player. Middle East and North Africa viewers can watch the game on Bein Sports or via live streaming on Bein Sports Connect.
South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa audience can catch the ISL match live on SuperSport or theironline option. Australia viewers can catch the match live on Fox Sports 2 or via their live video option online.
