FC Goa lock horns with Chennaiyin FC in mouth watering fixture at Margao.
As the inaugural edition of the Indian Super League(ISL) has proved to be an instant hit with fans of the sport, the bandwagon next travels to Goa, which is considered as the 'Mecca of football' in the country.
Boisterous support can be expected from passionate football fans in Margao, as home side FC Goa will lock horns with Chennaiyin FC at the Nehru Stadium on Wednesday.
The biggest trump card for Goa is that of having former Brazil legend Zico as coach, which definitely gives them the edge as far as the tactical part of the game is concerned.
The match will also give Goan fans an insight into what top quality soccer really is about, given the fact that they have had to contend with some really poor quality football over the years in the I-League.
FC Goa have their biggest star in the form of 1998 World Cup winner Robert Pires, who may well set the midfield on fire with his magical passing and crossing.
The Frenchman will be expected to deliver the goods against Chennaiyin, thanks to his wealth of international football experience, which has seen him become a legend at both France and Arsenal.
The other players who may make a difference for Goa would be Brazil defender Andre Santos, and the Czech duo of Jan Seda and Miroslav Slepicka, as all three can be placed in the bracket of world class talent.
Gregoy Arnolin,Gregoy Arnolin, Bruno Pinheiro, Miguel Pereira and Edgar Marcelino make up the rest of the foreign contingent for Goa, and it remains to be seen as to which player amongst the bunch does really deliver the goods.
Goa may employ Debrata Roy and Peter Carvalho as wing-backs, with Holicharan Narzary and Gabriel Fernandes expected to assist Pires on the flanks.
Miguel Herlein of Portugal may be given the responsibility to shoulder the Goa attack and can be played as an out and out striker by Zico.
2006 Italy World Cup winner, Marco Materrazzi, is Chennaiyin's marquee player cum manager, and the giant defender will undoubtedly be an expert marshall of his team's back line.
It will be interesting to see as to how the Italian, famous for his aerial ability, contends with Pires' dangerous crossing, and whether he can juggle with the ardous task of both playing and managing at the same time.
Former French defender Mikael Silvester and India's Gourmangi Singh may partner Materrazzi at the back and the form of the trio remains key for Chennaiyin's fortunes.
Chennaiyin also have another trump card in former Brazilian midfielder,Elano Blummer, who may just prove to be their answer to the Pires threat, thanks to his superb passing and playmaking abilities.
Gennaro Bracigliano may man the goal for Chennaiyin, with talented India forward, Jeje Lalpekhlua and Colombia's John Stiven Mendonza, probably forming the strike force for the side.
NP Pradeep and Anthony Barbosa will complete the other Indian players in the Chennaiyin side, who may feature in the starting eleven.
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