FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC kick-start Hero Indian Super League 2015’s third-round fixtures at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on Sunday. The Goans will be looking to bounce back and clinch all three points against a winless Chennai side that will be gunning for their first points of the season after back-to-back defeats.Goa were held to a 1-1 draw against a 10-man Atlético de Kolkata team in their last outing. The Gaurs will be hoping to maximise their home-field advantage against the Southerners who themselves have had a rough beginning to the league. It promises to be a Super Sunday as both teams have plenty to play for with the Hero ISL getting into its stride.Keenan Almeida vs Stiven MendozaGoa’s hero in their last game, Almeida scored the all-important goal for the Gaurs earning them a point against reigning champions Atlético de Kolkata. The energetic full back capped off a stellar display by scoring the equalizer for his side and walking away with the ISL Emerging Player of the Match award. Almeida has played every minute for his side so far and is an important cog in the Goa back four which has conceded just one goal, two games into the season.Mendoza was chosen to begin from the start in their last game after coming on from the bench in his side’s season opener. The Colombian justified his selection with a brilliant display in which he was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet after rattling ATK’s woodwork. The youngster’s performance was given due recognition by officials who adjudged him the Amul Fittest Player of the Match.Leo Moura vs Harmanjot Khabra Moura has become key to the FC Goa cause this season. The combative-midfielder’s dominating presence has helped strengthen Goa’s spine as Zico’s men look like real contenders for Hero ISL 2015. He has attempted more passes than any other player from his side this year (121). A passing accuracy of 83% from his 121 passes just goes to show how important he is to his side’s fortunes this season.Khabra’s performance in the Hero ISL so far is not much of a surprise to many. A consistent performer over the years for his teams, Khabra has been on the pitch for every minute of his side’s campaign this season. His versatility was evident for all to see during the last match when he dropped into defence as Chennai went all out in search of a leveller. A true team player in every sense of the term, Khabra will play a vital role in Sunday’s match against Goa. Reinaldo vs Alessandro PotenzaA shrewd acquisition by Zico in the off-season, Reinaldo’s presence in the team has already made a positive impact on the team. After scoring in every pre-season outing for the Gaurs, the veteran Brazilian didn’t take long to get off the mark in his first competitive match by scoring on his Hero ISL debut and laying down a marker. The powerful striker has had 10 shots at goal for his side thus far and also accounted for an assist.Potenza has been the one consistent performer in what is an otherwise shaky defence for Chennaiyin FC. The Italian centre back has looked comfortable playing at the heart of the Super Machan defence and is prudent with his distribution of the ball from the back, boasting a passing accuracy of 86%.Both teams will be looking for a win on Sunday with plenty of game-changers on either side. The home team will be hoping for more inspiration from their young Indian contingent of Romeo Fernandes and Madar Rao Dessai who have started their seasons with dazzling performances that have helped the Gaurs remain undefeated after two game.Chennaiyin FC will be looking for more from their marquee player, Elano who has already scored a goal from the penalty spot this year. The Brazilian will be looking to link up with Ethiopian target-man Fikru as the Super Machans hope to finally get their campaign up and running after a stuttering start.Quotes:Here football is very levelled. No stronger or weaker team. The game [on Sunday] will be hard: FC Goa coach ZicoWe appreciate the work they [FC Goa] have done and yes we know their strength. We respect the opponents but we don't have any fear: Chennaiyin FC assistant coach Vivek NagulSquads:FC Goa: Elinton Sanchotene Andrade, Luis Barreto, Laxmikant Kattimani, Lucimar Da Silva Ferreira [Lucio] [marquee], Gregory Arnolin, Luciano Sobrosa, Keenan Almeida, Nicolau Colaco, Raju Gaekwad, Debabrata Roy, Narayan Das, Jofre Mateu Gonzalez, Leonardo da Silva Moura [Leo Moura], Jonatan Lucca, Denson Devdas, Pronay Halder, Bikramjit Singh, Mandar Rao Dessai, Romeo Fernandes, Reinaldo Da Cruz Oliveira, Victor Simoes de Oliveira, Darryl Duffy, Thongkoisep Haokip, Victorino Fernandes, Joaquim Abranches, CS Sabeeth Chennaiyin FC: Karanjit Singh, Nidhin Lal, Apoula Edel Bete, Éder Monteiro Fernandes, Justin Stephen, Bernard Mendy, Abhishek Das, Lalhmangaihsanga Ralte, L. Dhanachandra Singh, Mehrajuddin Wadoo, Mailson Alves, Alessandro Potenza, Dhanpal Ganesh, Elano Blumer (marquee player), Godwin Franco, Thoi Singh, Harmanjot Khabra, Raphael Augusto, Bruno Augusto Pelissari de Lima, Zakeer Mundampara, Manuele Blasi, Fikru Teferra Lamessa, Jayesh Rane, Jeje Lalpekhlua, Balwant Singh, John Stiven Mendoza Valencia(The match starts 1900 IST and will be telecast on Start Sports 1/HD1/2/HD2/3/HD3)
