FC Pune City play host to FC Goa as both teams try to turn their fortunes around at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium in Balewadi on Thursday. Seventh-placed Pune City head into the game with a streak of 1-1 draws against Kerala Blasters FC, Chennaiyin FC and Delhi Dynamos FC. Head coach Antonio Habas’ men have got the goals but have been unable to pull off a winner. They would certainly like to change that in front of home fans on Thursday. As far as Goa are concerned, nothing seems to have gone their way this season as they currently languish at the bottom of the table with four points from seven matches. A 1-0 win against Mumbai City FC seemed to lift the side briefly but they again fell into a rut with consecutive defeats to Kerala 1-2 and Delhi 0-2. Thus a tough fight for survival is on the cards when these two teams face off in Hero ISL 2016 on Thursday.

Head-to-head: In Hero ISL 2014, the teams traded 2-0 victories at home, while in Hero ISL 2015 both matches ended in draws, 1-1 at Goa and 2-2 in Pune. This season, the first match finished 2-1 in favour of Pune City at Fatorda. Goa would sure want to avenge that defeat on Thursday.

Form Guide (last five matches):

FC Pune City: W-L-D-D-D

FC Goa: L-D-W-L-L

Jesus Tato vs Raju Gaikwad

33-year-old Jesus Tato was finally rewarded for his tireless running when he scored his first Hero ISL goal in Pune City’s last game against Delhi Dynamos FC. His tactical acumen coupled with his improved confidence will drive Pune forward against the Gaurs as they look to do the double over Zico’s men this season.

Raju Gaikwad has featured in every minute of FC Goa’s Hero ISL 2016 campaign so far. The defender has relentlessly held the fort for the Gaurs this season. Be it winning aerial duels, tackles or key interceptions, he has always been at the forefront for his team’s cause. His rock like presence will make a difference for Goa.

Jonatan Lucca vs Trindade Goncalves

Jonatan Lucca has been an influential presence at the heart of the FC Pune City midfield this season. A key performer, he has been able to hold onto the ball, create chances and string together a series of passes, abilities which are key to any team’s fortunes in a match.

Trindade Goncalves like Gaikwad has played each minute of FC Goa’s campaign this season. The Brazilian has created a number of chances for his team. His tenacity to move forward, along with his clean tackling and interceptions, has been beneficial to Goa. His passing can guide his team to victory in Balewadi on Thursday.

Rahul Bheke vs Rafael Coelho

Rahul Bheke has been one of the most consistent performers of Hero ISL 2016. He has won tackles and gone forward in attack at every given opportunity. The 26-year-old is also good in the air and has thwarted opposition attacks on several occasions. He will be tough to break for any rival team.

Rafael Coelho has been one of the few shining lights for FC Goa this season. Coelho has shown his willingness to run the extra mile and has also hit the back of the net once. He is certainly capable of scoring many more goals and who knows it could be his day on Thursday.

Squads:

FC Pune City: Edel Bete, Arindam Bhattacharya, Vishal Kaith, Zodingliana Ralte, Vishal Kaith, Rahul Bheke, Yumnam Raju, Narayan Das, Augustine Fernandes, Dharmaraj Ravanan, Eduardo Ferreira, Gouramangi Singh, Arata Izumi, Jonathan Lucca, Francis Fernandes, Bruno Arias, Josep María Comadevall Crous (Pitu), Lenny Rodrigues, Manish Maithani, Momar Ndoye, Sanju Pradhan, Anibal Zurdo Rodriguez, Gustavo Oberman, Jesus Rodriguez Tato

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 Singh