ISL 2015: FC Goa vs NorthEast United - Preview

Goa are in second spot with 18 points from 11 matches in ISL.

Margao: Smarting after a comprehensive defeat at the hands of defending champions Atletico de Kolkata, FC Goa would look to bounce back when they take on NorthEast United in their last home match of the Indian Super League here on Wednesday.

After their 7-0 comprehensive win over Mumbai, FC Goa were expecting for their first win against ATK, but that did not happened as they were beaten 0-4 and lost their top position to the Kolkata team.

Goa are in second spot with 18 points from 11 matches, two points above NorthEast United who are placed fourth.

Goa coach Zico said the loss against Kolkata was another learning experience for his team.

"We did not play well and paid the price. It's second time we lost 4-0 but we overcame that situation when we lost against Chennaiyin FC and went on to occupy the top position in the able. Now that we are displaced to second position we will again rectify our mistakes and try to correct it in tomorrow's match and win to put ourselves at the top of the table," Zico said at the pre-match media briefing.

"We must win all our remaining three matches and cannot relax against the NorthEast United whom we beat 3-1 in the away clash if we are to qualify for the semifinals," he said.

With regard to availability of injured players Gregory Arnolin, Luciano Sabrosa and Rafael Coelho, he said it will be known only after the training session.

NorthEast have been inconsistent in the tournament as they lost their first three matches, but their stunning performance against Kerala Blasters in their last match put them to fourth place and a chance to qualify for semifinals.

A win tomorrow will take them up the ladder and give the much needed boost as they play their last two matches at home against Delhi Dynamos (November 28) and FC Pune City (December 2).

Coach Cesar Farias said he always believed in his team and knew his players would come good at some stage of the league.

"We played well in those three games which we won and there was no reason for us to put our heads down. There were also eight players unavailable because of injuries at that time," explained Farias.

"It is going to be a tough match tomorrow but our boys are well prepared to face the challenge to come out winners," he said.