Goa, Delhi look to shore up defence
There is no doubt that our attack is easily one of the best in the ISL right now, but our defence still needs a lot of work. SERGIO LOBERA , FC Goa coach
NEWDELHI: FC Goa will be looking to continue their brilliant run in the ISL as they take on Delhi Dynamos at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.
On paper, it is a clash between two of the worst defences in the tournament as both Delhi Dynamos and FC Goa have conceded nine goals till now (in four matches each)— the most by any side. But FC Goa’s prolific goalscoring record in the last three matches has more than made up for their defensive lapses.
Such has been Goa’s dominance that every victory they’ve registered has seen them score at least three goals. Their Spanish striker Ferran Corominas is currently leading the goal-scoring chart with seven goals to his credit. Manuel Lanzarote has provided able support to Corominas with four goals and thanks to the duo’s brilliant performances, FC Goa are currently second in the standings.
“There is no doubt that our attack is easily one of the best in the ISL right now, but our defence still needs a lot of work. But, if you ask me whether I want my team to win 5-2 or 1-0, my choice will always be the first one,” FC Goa coach Sergio Lobera said.
On the other hand, Delhi Dynamos are languishing in ninth spot with just three points from four matches. After the win over FC Pune City in their season opener, Dynamos have struggled to find the back of the net with just one goal in last three matches.
Skipper Kalu Uche believes that the team needs to address that issue quickly to stop their woeful run. For the hosts, leftback Sena Ralte has made a full recovery from his injury and will likely start against FC Goa.
BLASTERS WIN
KOCHI: Kerala Blasters FC huffed and puffed their way to a one-goal victory over 10-man Northeast United FC for their first win in the ISL this season on Friday. CK Vineeth, returning from suspension, scored the only goal of the match in the 24th minute as Kerala Blasters maintained their record of never losing to NorthEast United in four years.