(Football news) Chennaiyin FC will be hoping to not take any chances when they play FC Goa in the 2021-22 Hero Indian Super League at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim on Saturday.
Chennaiyin ended a two-game losing streak against Jamshedpur FC, albeit being lucky at times. The former champions had extra fuel in their tanks by bringing back Nerijus Valskis from Jamshedpur. Lithuanian forward Valskis last wore the Chennaiyin colours in his first season in India, the 19-20 Hero ISL. He scored 15 goals for the club in 19-20, winning the Hero ISL Golden Boot and reaching the finals of the Hero ISL where the club lost to ATK FC 3-1.
"Valskis will be available and Ariel Borysiuk will skip this game. He is feeling much better so we will see what will happen in the next few days and decide about the game on the thirteenth," said Bozidar Bandovic.
Chennaiyin are currently placed 6th with 14 points from nine games and with a win against Goa can ensure a top four finish.
Chennaiyin has been depending upon Vladimir Koman’s passing and vision which was evident in the last game when he set up Lukasz Gikiewicz for the winner. Koman has become the club’s top midfielder since his arrival this season. He has two goals and an assist, Koman has created 15 goal scoring chances, the highest among the team this season.
FC Goa drew their previous match against Kerala Blasters and head coach Derrick Pereira can draw a lot of heart from the performance. Goa will hope midfielder lynchpin Edu Bedia who scored an amazing Olympic goal to help the Gaurs draw 2-2 against Kerala Blasters.
Bedia has 10 goals and 12 assists in 79 Hero ISL appearances. What he brings to the Goa team is his ability to control games, dictate the tempo and offer passing options to teammates.
"We have a good side. I think we don't need any more reinforcements. We just need to back our players. We have enough players to go to the next stage of the league," Pereira said when asked if there would be any incoming in the current window to bolster the squad.
Also read: Central defender Sandesh Jhingan rejoins ATK Mohun Bagan
