Indian Super League side FC Goa will hope to make a claim to the title this season after a stellar attacking display last year under Spanish coach Sergio Lobera.
FC Goa have made the playoffs for three times in the four seasons of the Indian Super League (ISL) so far. Their attacking side garnered a lot of fans last season as they scored a plethora of goals and their entertaining game could prove to be a title-clincher this time.
We take a look at the FC Goa squad under Sergio Lobera and asses their chances for the upcoming season of the Indian Super League.
FC Goa ISL 2018-19 Squad
Goalkeepers: Lalthuammawia Ralte, Laxmikant Kattimani, Mohammad Nawaz
Defenders: Carlos Pena, Chinglensana Singh, Lalhmangaisanga, Mohamed Ali, Nirmal Chettri, Saviour Gama, Mourtada Fall, Seriton Fernandes
Midfielders: Miguel Palanca, Brandon Fernandes, Ahmed Jahouh, Edu Bedia, Hugo Boumous, Lenny Rodrigues, Mandar Rao Dessai, Imran Khan, Princeton Rebello, Jackichand Singh, Pratesh Shirodkar
Forwards: Ferran Corominas, Manvir Singh and Liston Colaco
Spaniard coach Sergio Lobera could employ the same philosophy of football and hope to lead the side all the way to the title with a style of play which is attacking and pleasing on the eye fueled by high possession play.
One of the most notable signings made by the Goan club was Jackichand Singh from Kerala Blasters FC who will add pace to the flanks. With the presence of Mandar Rao Desai and Brandon Fernandes already in the squad, Jackichand’s addition will further boost the midfield for FC Goa.
Lenny Rodrigues returns to the squad after his stint at Bengaluru FC and will team up with midfield operators Hugo Boumous, Edu Bedia and Ahmed Jahouh to form one of the most potent midfield unit in the league.
The attack was a key component for the rise of the FC Goa side through to the playoffs of the ISL last season and Ferran Corominas, the golden boot award winner was the crux of the strike force along with the now-ATK player Manuel Lanzarote. FC Goa will hope the absence of Lanzarote will be made up for by the midfield and attacking talent in the squad.
The defence was a point of concern for Lobera throughout the fourth season as they leaked a lot of goals at the back. Mourtada Fall and Carlos Pena are new additions to the defence and the coach will hope for a better showing this season. The goalkeeping unit also lacks the stability with Laxmikant Kattimani and Lalthuammawia Ralte both not exuberating confidence.
SportzDose Prediction for FC Goa
FC Goa are a highly exciting side in the ISL and one of the best teams when on the attack. If the coach is able to sort out the defensive issues from last season, they stand a good chance to making it all the way to the finals.
