Blurb
FC Pune City return to their familiar home surroundings and look to boost their chances of a place in the semi-finals as they face FC Goa in a ninth round clash in Pune today while the Goan franchise, with 14 points from eight matches and level on points with Delhi Dynamos FC, have rectified their negative goal difference with their 2-0 win over Chennaiyin FC at the Marina Arena on Thursday and now look to extend their lead at the top of the table
Agencies
PUNE
FC Pune City return to their familiar home surroundings and look to boost their chances of a place in the semi-finals as they face FC Goa in a ninth round clash of the Hero Indian Super League in Pune on Sunday.
FC Pune City have been poor travellers this season, having not won a single game on the road. Their away performances have resulted in losses against Kerala Blasters (2-0) and Chennaiyin FC (2-1), besides a lucky draw against FC Goa (1-1). But as Platt returns to the venue that gave him four victories in five matches, the former Manchester City assistant coach will feel confident.
Platt, though, will have plenty of loose ends to tie after picking up only a point from their last two matches. Looking to become the first team to qualify for the semi-finals, FC Pune City were first held by FC Goa away but it’s the blow against Kerala Blasters that will hurt Platt for some time.
“It was all down to me,” Platt admitted after the game. "I got it wrong. We didn't start very well but I was too hasty to change it and tried to change it back again at half-time. It did not give my players any kind of stability. I got to look at myself first and foremost,” said Platt.
FC Goa chief coach Zico had negated Pune’s famed attack with three centre-backs. Strikers like Tuncay Sanli, Yendrick Ruiz and Kalu Uche all had a quiet night in Goa and Zico is likely to continue with the same formation.
The arrival of Brazilian striker Rafael Coelho has given Zico options up front after being handicapped by injuries to strikers like Reinaldo Oliveira, Darryl Duffy, Victorino Fernandes and Joaquim Abranches. Coelho looked lively on debut and won two penalties, helping Goa win 2-0 against Chennaiyin FC.
The Brazil legend is expected to continue with the same team and formation with doubts only over the availability of important midfielder Leo Moura, who went down under a tackle from Chennaiyin FC midfielder Harmanjot Khabra.
“The tackle was very bad. Moura is injured and I do not know if we will be able to field him,” said Zico.
Team Insight
FC Pune City have been poor travellers this season, having not won a single game on the road. Their away performances have resulted in losses against Kerala Blasters (2-0) and Chennaiyin FC (2-1), besides a lucky draw against FC Goa (1-1). But as Platt returns to the venue that gave him four victories in five matches, the former Manchester City assistant coach will feel confident.
The arrival of Brazilian striker Rafael Coelho has given FC Goa and Zico options up front after being handicapped by injuries to strikers like Reinaldo Oliveira, Darryl Duffy, Victorino Fernandes and Joaquim Abranches. Coelho looked lively on debut and won two penalties, helping Goa win 2-0 against Chennaiyin FC.
QUOTE
“Our first target is to win the game and keep the first position. We will try to keep the same spirit. We know it will be a difficult game against Pune who have their strengths at home,”
Zico on playing Pune City
