FC Goa will try to capitalise on their recent win in the 2016 Hero Indian Super League against Mumbai City FC and move up the table when they host Kerala Blasters FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Monday. The Gaurs got their first win this season against Mumbai City FC (1-0) in their previous match and will want to get another victory under their belt in front of their home fans.The Blasters have also had an indifferent season with a solitary win, also against Mumbai (1-0). Kerala’s last game ended in a draw with FC Pune City (1-1) putting them just a point above the Gaurs ahead of Monday’s encounter, which has all the makings of a real six-pointer.Head-to-head: Their first match in 2014 ended in Kerala’s favour with a 1-0 victory but Goa won 3-0 in the reverse fixture at home that season. Goa also won both matches last season, 2-1 at home and 5-1 away.Form Guide:FC Goa: L-L-L-D-WKerala Blasters FC: L-L-D-W-DRafael Dumas vs Antonio GermanRafael Dumas is one of the three players to have played in every minute of FC Goa’s Hero ISL 2016 campaign. The 21-year-old youngster has shone at the back and has had a role in crucial interceptions for his team. His knack of going forward and helping in attack at times has been useful and gives the team attacking options, especially in set-piece situations.Antonio German has not played as per expectations this season. He will be looking to regain the form and vigour that fetched him six goals and three assists in Hero ISL 2015. The Englishman has appeared in every match for Kerala but needs to start scoring goals, something his team desperately needs at this moment. Hopefully for him as well as the Blasters, they are just around the corner.Joffre vs Mehtab HossainThe Spanish playmaker may be one of FC Goa’s talismans but he has yet to hit top gear for the Gaurs this season. A solitary goal from the penalty spot is his only real contribution so far. Now that Goa have got their first win of the season, the Spaniard will be less under pressure to deliver the goods and that might just help him regain his flair.Mehtab Hossain has featured in every minute for Kerala in the Hero ISL 2016. It’s primarily because of the fact that he keeps their midfield ticking. An exceptional work ethic aside, his passes often turn out to be the start of a dangerous attack on the opponents’ goal. The 33-year-old has been involved in plenty of crunching tackles and interceptions this year and can expect to be kept busy again on Monday.Trindade Goncalves vs Cedric HengbartTrindade Goncalves has been a dominant and commanding presence in midfield for Goa this season. He has managed to provide the perfect link between the backline and frontline for the Gaurs. With a healthy pass completion rate and a knack of getting forward frequently before getting his shot away, it’s just a matter of time before he finds his name on the scoresheet.Hengbart has been a calming influence at the back for Kerala with crucial tackles and interceptions. His aerial ability has also not gone unnoticed with key duels being won in defence. The 36-year-old can also be a threat in set-pieces and is also one of the two players to have scored for the men in yellow.Squads:FC Goa: Laxmikanth Kattimani, Subhasish Roy Chowdhury, Sukhdev Patil, Lucio, Debabrata Roy, Denzil Franco, Fulganco Cardozo, Gregory Arnolin, Keenan Almeida, Luciano Sobrosa, Rafael Dumas, Raju Gaikwad, Sanjay Balmuchu, Joffre, Mandar Rao Dessai, Pratesh Shirodkar, Richarlyson, Romeo Fernandes, Sahil Tavora, Trindade Goncalves, Julio Cesar, Rafael Coelho, Reinaldo, Robin SinghKerala Blasters FC: Graham Stack, Sandip Nandy, Kunal Sawant, Mohammad Ansari, Aaron Hughes, Cedric Hengbart, Sandesh Jhingan, Gurwinder Singh, Pratik Chaudhary, Elhadji Ndoye, Josu Currais, Didier Boris Kadio, Azrack Mahamat, Mehtab Hossain, Mohammed Rafique, Ishfaq Ahmed, Vinit Rai, Michael Chopra, Antonio German, Kervens Belfort, Duckens Nazon, Mohammed Rafi, Thongkhosiem Haokip, Farukh Chaudhary, Prasanth Karuthadathkuni
