High flying FC Goa can move into second place in the Hero Indian Super League if they win their third game in a row and their last home game, versus NorthEast United FC, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Monday. On the other hand, the Highlanders too can move up from sixth to third at the cost of Goa with a win.Both sides are coming into the tie on a high, having tasted success in their last outings by impressive 3-0 margins at home, the Highlanders’ win being the more significant as they humbled league toppers Chennaiyin FC. Joan Capdevila’s unfortunate sending off will however dent the prospects of Ricki Herbert’s side as they try to scale the ladder.Statistics show the home team in good attacking light, having netted 14 times in the competition as compared to 10 by the Highlanders. Goa lead in almost every attacking stat, having taken more shots (166-124), shots at goal (99-69) and naturally having a higher shots on goal percentage (60-56). From a defensive point of view, the Highlanders seem to have performed marginally better. They have had more interceptions (348-309) and blocks (67-49). However, Grégory Arnolin, Youness Bengelloun and latterly Bruno Pinheiro at centre half, have put in 257 tackles to the visitors’ 238.Form guide (most recent matches first)FC Goa: WWDWDNorthEast United FC: WLLDDAndré Santos vs Massamba Lô SambouThe enigmatic Brazilian took away the Hero of the Match award in his previous outing, having scored a fine goal and assisted another. The heartbeat of the Goan team, Santos has been in good form in the tournament. The ease with which he holds on to the ball and distributes is a joy to watch. He’s a danger from set pieces as well. Massamba had a very impressive game against league leaders Chennai, scoring two good goals. His strength will be vital in keeping the ex-Arsenal man at bay.Grégory Arnolin vs Durga Boro The burly centre half has been outstanding for Zico’s side, forming an able partnership with Bengelloun at first, and following the latter’s injury, with Pinheiro later. His strength and positional sense will be tested by the sprightly albeit diminutive Durga Boro. The Assamese finally managed to get onto the score sheet with a good goal against Chennaiyin and will want to use his pace to outwit the Goan defence and score again.Bikramjit Singh vs KokeThe Indian defensive midfielder has put in a stellar performance. Breaking up play has been his forte as he puts in crunching tackles and then gets the ball forward. He’s been the perfect screen in front of his defence. With the charismatic Zohib Amiri playing slightly ahead of him, Singh has flourished. The Spanish attacking midfielder has also been playing well. Finding it a little hard to score goals, Koke excels at distribution as he controls play from his advanced position, sending faster players like Seiminlen Doungel and Boro forward with excellent passes. Goa will have to be wary of Koke as he scored the equalising penalty in their first leg meeting which ended 1-1.Players to watchFC GoaRomeo Fernandes – The young Goan winger has garnered praise from Indian football great Bruno Coutinho for his stellar performances. The pacy winger has the ability to outwit defenders with his mazy runs. His skill on and off the ball is immense and he will look to use this to get on to the score sheet for the second time in the tournament, having scored once already from a Santos free kick.NorthEast United FC Rehenesh TP – The Indian goalkeeper has been an absolute rock for the Highlanders. His reflexes and ability to read the game has been second to none as he has singlehandedly kept his team in the running. He will have to be at his best to keep the most attacking side in the league at bay as well as not succumb to the away pressures. The young Kerala goalkeeper has a mature head on his young shoulders though.Team speakFC GoaZico (head coach): “This (the team’s current good form) is the fruit of our initial preparation.”NorthEast United FCRicki Herbert (head coach): “Everyone is still in contention for a spot in the knockout stages. It’s a game we want to win.”
