ISL 2: FC Goa pitted favourites, take on injury-stricken Atletico de Kolkata
ATK’s marquee player Helder Postiga is ruled out of the season due to hamstring injury
Margao: FC Goa will look to continue their winning start at home as they take on defending champions Atletico de Kolkata in the second Indian Super League (ISL) played at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, here on Wednesday.
Both the teams are coming into this match with a win. Atletico de Kolkata got the better of Chennaiyin FC 3-2, while FC Goa beat Delhi Dyanmos 2-0.
FC Goa coach Zico is aware that his team had a bad start last year and are now looking to make amends as they set their eyes to win the title this time.
"We have started well winning our first match and are now looking to win our next two matches at home before we move out to play away matches which will raise the confidence of the team to play better in the away matches," said Zico.
"Last year, we were unlucky not to win the semifinals as we created lot of scoring chances but failed to score the winner in the regulation time and ultimately we lost on penalties.
This year, both the teams have made lot of changes in their side and we do not know which team is the best, it will be decided tomorrow, the one who plays better and utilises the chances will emerge the winner. Tomorrow's encounter is not going to be a revenge match but a normal game," he said.
Read: Antonio Habas praises Postiga for match-winning brace
The home team not only have the advantage of playing at home but also have no injury worries as they will field the same side they played last. But the visitors will be without their key striker Helder Postiga who got injured in the last match and is ruled out of the season due to hamstring injury. Midfielder Jewel Raja, defenders Tiri and Josemi too are ruled out to play tomorrow due to injury.
FC Goa have a creative midfield as Leonardo de Silva Moura and Joffre Mateu along with Denson Devadas have combined well to keep the attack moving. Romeo Fernandes and Mandar Rao Desai too have worked hard on the flanks and gave the right support for striker Reinaldo Da Cruz Oliveira upfront.
Atletico de Kolkata coach Antonio Habas is happy with his team's performance in their opening match against Chennaiyin FC and is looking for a favourable result tomorrow. "We have injury worries but we will take things in our stride and give our best to win."