ISL 2020-21: FC Goa vs NorthEast United - 5 players to watch out for

We’re well into the third round of matches in the Indian Super League (ISL) with FC Goa taking on NorthEast United tonight at the Fatorda Stadium. Here are our top 5 picks who could play an important role in deciding the result of the match.

Idrissa Sylla (Striker - NorthEast United)

Sylla came on in the 72nd minute in the 2-2 draw against Kerala Blasters and made an immediate impact. He was a constant threat upfront with his hold-up play and movement and managed to get the equalizer in the 90th minute. He received a long pass from Gurjinder Kumar inside the box, controlled it with his chest and drilled a shot past the goalkeeper. Head coach Gerard Nus might just be tempted to start both him and Kwesi Appiah together against an under-confident Goa defence.

Igor Angulo (Striker - FC Goa)

Having scored a brace in the first match against Bengaluru FC, Angulo didn’t have a favourable outing against Mumbai City FC. Despite that, he was the only Goa player who looked capable of scoring in an otherwise disappointing performance from Juan Ferrando’s side. Against NorthEast, he will surely be looking to add to his tally and resume the race for the ISL golden boot.

Brandon Fernandes (Midfielder - FC Goa)

Brandon made an immediate impact in FC Goa’s first match of the season, coming off the bench to grab two pre-assists. He didn’t feature against Mumbai presumably due to a niggle but should be able to start against NorthEast. His side will be looking at him to provide that little bit of sparkle from the middle of the park.

https://twitter.com/NEUtdFC/status/1333049528878997506

Ashutosh Mehta (Defender - NorthEast United)

The former Mumbai City and Mohun Bagan defender has been one of the stars for the Highlanders in the first couple of games. He has done very little wrong both moving forward and in defence and is an extremely intelligent player who knows when to stop the opposition buildup with a foul. Having played in the ISL previously with Mumbai City and Pune City, his experience will come in handy in that right side of defence.

Khassa Camara (Midfielder - NorthEast United)

The Mauritanian has been a revelation in the middle of the park for Gerard Nus. He has made 13 tackles, 5 interceptions and 4 clearances in two matches and has also blocked an opposition shot twice. With him at the base of midfield, it has become easier for their flair players like Luis Machado, Federico Gallego and the likes to strut their stuff further forward. He will again be important against an FC Goa side that is attack-minded and likes to prise open opposition defences.