New look North East United FC take on Goa in season opener

GUWAHATI: North East United FC is keen to kick start on a positive note when they will face FC Goa at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in the city on Monday.the match will kick off at 7-30 in the evening.

FC Goa have a measure of continuity about them as head coach Sergio Lobera takes charge of the team for a second successive season, while the hosts will be playing under Eelco Schattorie who has been handed the reins..

Local outfit now sport a completely different look with former PSG striker Bartholomew Ogbeche being their most notable signing. The Nigerian international is expected to be their main threat upfront and will look to improve their efficiency in front of goal.

Croatian duo of Mato Grgic and Mislav Komorski will marshal the defence with Rowllin Borges playing the anchor role in midfield.

“Last season I had the chance to play twice against Goa and in both games we got results - one win and one draw. They were both based on certain weaknesses that we spotted in their team. Hopefully, we can exploit them again. Having said that, we must remember that we have got a relatively new squad who will take time to get used to my methods whereas Goa have a more or less settled squad,” said Schattorie.

FC Goa, on the other hand, have a settled feel about them with most of their key players retained from last season. Last year’s top scorer Ferran Corominas will be the main man upfront and will be supported by Miguel Palanca and Hugo Boumous.

Ahmed Jahouh will be the anchor man in midfield while Lenny Rodrigues and company look to complement the Moroccan.

Goa’s defence had come under the scanner previous season and was their Achilles’ heel. A prolific attack bailed them out on many occasions but Lobera will be keen to ensure they are more solid at the back this time around, without compromising on their attacking instinct.