With both teams having suffered defeats in their previous games, this encounter will be of vital importance to the two sides. Although NorthEast United FC put up a brave show against table toppers Atlético de Kolkata, they were done in by the sheer physicality and clinical finishing of the Kolkata based side. Goa on the other hand, fought tooth and nail to the finish, only to be denied by Chennaiyin’s defence and their brilliant goalkeeper. Both coaches will be highlighting the importance of winning this game and registering points on the board to their respective sides. A win at home for NorthEast United FC or a win on the road for FC Goa: whatever the outcome, this promises to be a significant match for both the coaches, Ricky Herbert and Zico.Joan Capdevila vs Holicharan NarzaryHolicharan Narzary was earmarked by Indian football stalwart, Baichung Bhutia as one of the players to watch out for in the tournament. The Indian put on a promising show against Chennaiyin and constantly bothered their defence with his pace and trickery. World Cup and Euro winner, Capdevila, who had an average game against Kolkata, will have to shoulder the responsibility of keeping this prodigious talent quiet. It will be a battle of Narzary’s imagination and speed against the calm head and positioning abilities of the Spanish veteran.Guilherme Felipe vs Robert PiresFelipe’s absence in the game against Kolkata clearly hurt NorthEast United FC, as they struggled to match the rhythm and tempo of Kolkata’s all Spanish armada in midfield. If he starts against Goa, Felipe’s job will be to stifle the creative talents of the mercurial Frenchman, Robert Pires. Pires had an average game against Chennaiyin where he showed flashes of brilliance. The ex-Arsenal man will be out to prove a point against NorthEast United and it will be Felipe’s job to nullify the potentially devastating playmaking abilities of the former World Cup winner.Dong-Hyun Do vs Youness BengellounSouth Korean Dong-Hyun Do lit up the stadium with an impressive cameo against Kolkata. His intricate dribbling and ability to create openings for his side will not have gone unnoticed by his manager. If handed his first start of the campaign, the nimble footed forward, nicknamed “Kagawa” by his team-mates, will have to overcome the strength of the no-nonsense Frenchman, Youness Bengelloun. Youness was part of a dodgy first half in the Goa defence that came back strongly in the second half. Bengelloun will have to use his positional abilities to the fullest in order to match the potential that Dong-Hyun Do possesses.PLAYERS TO WATCH:NorthEast United FCDurga Boro – The crowd favourite played within himself against Kolkata, exercising a decent amount of control in mid-field. Although Boro shied from taking a shot on goal at times when an opening appeared, his coach clearly believes a lot in him. If Durga can overcome the niggling injury that he was apparently carrying in the game against Kolkata and showcase his passing and play-making abilities against Goa, the NorthEast darling can be a match for anyone on his day.FC GoaClifford Miranda – One of the Indians to make a mark with his performance in his side’s first game, Miranda was a constant threat down the flanks. Hard working and skilful, the experienced Indian international is an asset for his side and will be looking to carry his good run into the game against NorthEast United FC. With the fullback position an area of concern for NEUFC, Clifford will look to exploit the gaps that could show up during the game.
