The FC Goa juggernaut has rolled on to Kolkata to take on a stuttering Atlético de Kolkata at the Salt Lake Stadium in the last match for either team in the league phase of the tournament. Having already qualified for the semi-finals, Goa will want to finish the league campaign with a victory to avenge the 1-2 loss they suffered at home to the same opposition earlier in the season. A win or draw for Goa will mean they will have gone unbeaten in the second half of the league campaign. Kolkata’s qualification hopes are still up in the air. A win or draw will see them through, but a loss could knock them out of the runningGoa are far ahead of Kolkata from an attacking point of view. They have scored more goals (20-15), have more shots (190-131) and far more shots on goal (115-69) than Antonio López Habas’ men. They will look to keep their impressive form running and get on the score sheet in Kolkata. Central to the team’s fortune in their impressive run has been the enigmatic Brazilian, André Santos and Indian winger, Romeo Fernandes.Goa have been solid in the defensive department as well, having conceded just once in the last five games. Goalkeeper Jan Šeda leads the race for the Golden Glove and he will look to blank the home side to keep him in pole position for the coveted prize. Kolkata have more interceptions (354-346) and blocks (87-55), but Goa have made more tackles (317-289). Bruno Pinheiro and Grégory Arnolin have been like a stone wall in Goa’s defence and they will be looking to continue their impressive form.Form Guide (Most recent first)Atlético de Kolkata: LDDLWGoa: WWWWD Fikru Teferra vs Bruno PinheiroThe Ethiopian striker has not been able to hit top form after his initial burst in the tournament. He started the tournament with a goal and will be hoping to end the league stage with a goal as well. His athletic ability will be vital for his side and he will have to be on top of his game to beat Bruno Pinheiro. The versatile player has been deployed in a variety of positions in ZIco’s team during the course of the tournament but has now found stability alongside Grégory in the heart of the defence, having kept out Youness Bengelloun. His speed and positioning make him a vital part of the Goa back four.Josemi vs Miroslav SlepičkaThe Spanish defender has not had the best time in the middle of defence for Kolkata in the past four games. Josemi does, however, bring experience to the defence and his positional skills will have to be spot on against an impressive Slepička. The Czech striker has netted five times for his side already and is reveling in his role with the absence of Tolgay Özbey through injury. The striker relies on making clever runs and making himself available to receive a pass in goalscoring positions. He can be a handful for the Kolkata defence if he receives the ball in the box as he has shown so far.Biswajit Saha vs Romeo FernandesKolkata left-back Saha has been good in his position for his side during the tournament. He’s a tireless worker and runs up and down the left wing constantly to aid the attack and comes back and does his defensive duties. Up against him will be the man in form, Romeo Fernandes. Having netted three times in the last four games, the Goan winger is brimming with confidence. He has the pace and skill to cut past defenders with ease and if Saha fails to close him down, Fernandes will cause a lot of mayhem in the Kolkata box.Players to watchAtlético de KolkataLuis García – The ex-Liverpool man’s intelligence and vision make him a constant threat to opposition defences. His vision is superior to most players his age and he can spot his teammates making runs in behind the defence. He’s got a brilliant and accurate left foot. His set-piece taking ability will also be tested against the Goa defence and he will want to increase his goal tally in the competition.FC GoaAndré Santos – The Brazilian is enjoying his football in India, playing in a midfield berth rather than his traditional left-back role. His passing, vision and ability to maintain possession is fantastic, and he has a dangerous left foot. Another danger for Kolkata is from set-pieces and the ex-Gunner is very adept at taking them, having already assisted from free-kicks. Team speakAtlético de KolkataAntonio López Habas (head coach): “We are very close to our target of going to the semi-finals, we are not worried about the past, and we are just focusing on tomorrow.”FC GoaZico (head coach): “I have asked my boys to go out and play football only.”
