With the opening two encounters of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2018-19 living up to everyone’s expectations, the action shifts to Guwahati for the season’s third fixture. NorthEast United FC host FC Goa at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on Monday, where both the clubs would be vying to start their season on a winning note.

The two clubs faced contrasting fortunes last time around. The Highlanders endured a disappointing 2017-18 campaign, wherein they finished rock-bottom. The Gaurs, on the other hand, made it to the playoffs after an impressive display throughout and finished as the league’s top scorers with 43 goals.

NorthEast United FC

The Highlanders have completely overhauled their squad in the hope of changing their fortunes from last season. Former assistant coach Eelco Schattorie has been promoted to the role of the head coach and the Dutch has made it a priority to turn his team into title contenders.

NorthEast fans will be waiting in anticipation to watch their new recruits take to the pitch. Forward Bartholomew Ogbeche is expected to start and will be quite a handful for the Goa defenders with his pace and power. Nikhil Kadam could make his debut for the club, alongside Rowllin Borges and Federico Gallego in midfield, while Mato Grgic and Mislav Komorski will provide the much-needed defensive solidarity.

While the quality of players is quite apparent, the primary challenge for Schattorie will be to get his men to develop an understanding between themselves in the first game. Also, with an eye on the playoff spot this season, the Highlanders need to start on a positive note to instil confidence within the club and hope amongst the fans.

Here’s a look at NorthEast’s 2017-18 season in numbers:

FC Goa

After going so close to the final last time around, the Gaurs come into the new season with the sole aim of lifting their maiden Hero ISL trophy. Now in his second season in charge of the club, Sergio Lobera will hope that the mistakes from 2017-18 are not repeated, and most notably, the defence steps up their game.

Mourtada Fall and Carlos Pena have been roped in to ensure minimal cracks in defence, that conceded 32 goals in the last campaign and are expected to start the game. New club captain Mandar Rao Dessai and Ahmed Jahouh will be seen manning the centre of the park and will be responsible for serving as the link between defence and attack.

However, just like last season, Goa’s main threat will come from their forwards, which includes Ferran Corominas, Brandon Fernandes and Hugo Boumous. If they manage to maintain their lofty standards on Monday, the Highlanders will have a hard time containing their unit.

Here’s a look at Goa’s 2017-18 season in numbers:

PROBABLE LINE-UPS:

NorthEast United FC: TP Rehenesh (GK), Robert Lalthlamuana, Mislav Komorski, Mato Grgic, Reagan Singh, Augustine Okrah, Rowllin Borges, Federico Gallego, Nikhil Kadam, Bartholomew Ogbeche, Kivi Zhimomi

FC Goa: Lalthuammawia Ralte (GK), Mourtada Fall, Carlos Pena, Seriton Fernandes, Nirmal Chettri, Lenny Rodrigues, Ahmed Jahouh, Mandar Rao Dessai, Hugo Boumous, Brandon Fernandes, Ferran Corominas

DID YOU KNOW?

• NorthEast have kept a clean sheet in three of their four opening fixtures in the previous Hero ISL seasons. The only time they conceded was in 2015 against Kerala Blasters.
• Only once have FC Goa won at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati, till date. The victory came in a 3-1 win back in 2015.
• NorthEast United are the only side in Hero ISL 2018-19 that do not have a single player that has scored in the league previously. 

FANS SPEAK

Which striker will prove to be the difference between the two sides?

• Ferran Corominas
• Bartholomew Ogbeche

Have your say in the comments section below.

Catch the match live on the Star Sports Network and Hotstar from 7:30 pm onward.