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The two-time ISL runners-up Kerala Blasters FC are ready to welcome high-flying FC Goa in their seventh home game of ISL 2017/18 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi. Defensively strong Kerala Blasters had conceded five goals in the first leg of this tie against Goa, which is also the highest number of goals they have conceded in any ISL season.
After winning back-to-back games against Delhi and Mumbai respectively, Kerala were beaten by Jamshedpur FC in their last game. Playing at home, they would like to get back to winning ways. They also have a satisfactory home record this season having lost just one out of their six home games. However, they would like to increase the number of victories.
On the other side, FC Goa managed to end their three-game winless run in their last game against Jamshedpur FC. They will aim to retain their place in top 4 with a win. Goa need to improve their performance away from home, having managed to win just two out of their five away games so far.
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Considering the recent form of both sides, we can expect a cracker of the game tonight at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi.
Kerala Blasters FC
Despite tasting defeat against Jamshedpur FC, Kerala Blasters' head coach David James was quite satisfied with the performance of his side. Considering the attack-heavy game of FC Goa, he hinted to play more on counter attacks.
We are expecting Mark Sifneos, Rino Anto and Subhasish Roy to replace Karan Sawhney, Shadap and Paul Rachubka in the starting XI from the previous game. He will most likely field his side in 4-4-1-1 formation to play the pressing game tonight.
Kerala Blasters FC Probable Starting XI: Subhasish, Anto, Jhingan, Brown, Lalrutthara, Kizito, Milan, Pekuson, Vineeth, Hume, Sifneos.
Kerala Blasters FC Probable Starting XI
FC Goa
FC Goa head come into this game after a break of 10 days and they will look to go all guns blazing tonight. Despite playing two fewer games than top six teams, FC Goa have scored 22 goals so far in this season which is the most by any team. At the same time, they are also the second worst defensive side of the league having conceded 16 goals. FC Goa coach Sergio Lobera seemed to be a little worried about his side's failure to keep clean sheets.
We are not expecting any changes in the winning combination from the previous game. The Spaniard is expected to field his side in 4-2-3-1 formation to control the game in mid-field.
FC Goa Probable Starting XI: Kattimani, Seriton, Pinheiro, Ali, Das, Jahouh, Bedia, Brandon, Mandar, Lanzarote, Corominas.
Prediction
Kerala Blasters 1-2 FC Goa
The attacking prowess of FC Goa might prove to be the difference between the two sides and the visitors seem more likely to get all the three points from the game.
