FC Goa will look to get back to winning ways when they host NorthEast United FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on Friday. Both teams are very much in the contention for a top-four spot and a positive result in the match can do a lot to further their playoff ambitions.

The highlight of the fixture will be the battle of the two top scorers of Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2018-19. Goa's Ferran Corominas and NorthEast's Bartholomew Ogbeche have scored eight goals each and are the frontrunners to clinch this season's Golden Boot award.

FC Goa

After a blitzy start to their Hero ISL 2018-19 campaign with five wins in their opening seven matches, the Gaurs seem to have lost steam of late, losing two and drawing one of their last three fixtures. A big reason behind Goa's early success was their lethal attack spearheaded by Coro. The mercurial Spaniard, however, hasn't been able to find the back of the net since scoring a brace against Kerala Blasters FC on November 11. With their talisman out of form, Goa have managed to score just once in their last three matches - a stark contrast to the 21 goals they scored in their first seven outings of the season.

With the long winter break right around the corner, Goa will be eager to end the ongoing round of fixtures on a high with a win against NorthEast. To achieve that, it will be imperative for Coro to get back his scoring touch.

One thing which will favour the Gaurs in the match will be their home record against the Highlanders. Goa have never lost at home against NorthEast.

Here’s a look at Goa’s current season in numbers:

NorthEast United FC

The Highlanders have enjoyed a successful start to their season and even a draw on Friday will see them surpass their highest-ever points tally in Hero ISL history. NorthEast picked up 20 points from 14 matches back in 2015 and already have the same number of points from 11 outings this season. Eelco Schattorie's men are currently third in the Hero ISL table and look to be in a favourable position to clinch a playoff spot for the first time in the club's history.

Much like Goa and Coro, NorthEast have relied heavily on star striker Bartholomew Ogbeche to provide the goals. Interestingly, Ogbeche too is in the midst of a three-match barren run going into Friday's encounter. His last goal came against FC Pune City on November 27 in a 2-0 win. Unlike Goa, NorthEast have had better luck adapting to their star man’s lack of form. The Highlanders have drawn their last three matches, largely owing to some solid defensive displays.

Schattorie will, however, miss some key players in defence on Friday. Provat Lakra has been ruled out till January and Mislav Komorski, who sustained an injury in NorthEast’s last match against ATK, is likely to miss out too.

Here’s a look at NorthEast’s current season in numbers:

PROBABLE LINE-UPS:

FC GOA: Mohammad Nawaz (GK), Seriton Fernandes, Mourtada Fall, Chinglensana Singh, Mandar Rao Dessai (C), Jackichand Singh, Lenny Rodrigues, Brandon Fernandes, Edu Bedia, Hugo Boumous, Ferran Corominas

NORTHEAST UNITED FC: Pawan Kumar (GK), Reagan Singh, Mato Grgic, Gurwinder Singh, Keegan Pereira, Rowllin Borges, Jose Leudo, Redeem Tlang, Federico Gallego, Juan Mascia, Bartholomew Ogbeche (C)

DID YOU KNOW?

  • FC Goa have failed to score in their previous two matches.
  • NorthEast have conceded just two goals in their last five matches.
  • Despite having 24 goal attempts in their previous match against FC Pune City, Goa failed to score.

FANSPEAK

Which striker will outperform the other?

  • Ferran Corominas
  • Bartholomew Ogbeche

Have your say in the comments section below.

Catch the match live on the Star Sports Network, Hotstar and Jio TV from 7:30 PM.