ISL 2019-20: Stable Goa takes on rebuilt Chennaiyin FC

FC Goa will look to start the new season on a winning note against Chennaiyin FC that finished rock-bottom in the ISL last time around.

Renewing rivalry: Both Gregory and Lobera (R) are into their third seasons at their clubs.

Last year’s finalist FC Goa is set to kickstart its 2019-20 Hero Indian Super League campaign against Chennaiyin FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium here on Wednesday. The Gaurs will look to start the new season on a winning note against a club that finished rock-bottom in the ISL last time around. However, after a summer of rebuilding, Chennaiyin will be eager to prove that the last season was just an aberration. Interestingly, both managers - Sergio Lobera and John Gregory - are into their third seasons with FC Goa and Chennaiyin. As expected, Goa has an aura of stability around it, with most of their key players, international and domestic, staying with the side.

READ | FC Goa looks to do one better than last season The likes of Ferran Corominas, Hugo Boumous, Ahmed Jahouh and Edu Bedia are all into their third season too with the Gaurs. Mandar Rao Dessai, Seriton Fernandes, Lenny Rodrigues, Jackichand Singh are all familiar with Lobera’s methods. “The preparation before the first match has been very good. The players are in very good condition, they are very good professionals. I am very happy with the pre-season, but the most important thing is the first match. We will play a good match at home and try to get the three points,” he said. Chennaiyin, on the other hand, has undergone a rebuild after the shambles of last season. Gregory has completely revamped his foreign contingent bar Eli Sabia and has brought in six new foreigners. Even the Indian contingent has seen some changes, with the likes of Vishal Kaith, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Edwin Sydney Vanspaul and Rahim Ali coming into the side. “We almost have a brand-new team. We had seven foreigners last season of which we have changed six of them. We are very happy with our domestic players. With the new foreigners, we hope they have the same influence as they had in season four,” Gregory said.

READ | Gregory keen on Chennaiyin turnaround after dismal last season Goa will be favourite at home but fortunately for Chennaiyin, the host will miss the services of Ahmed Jahouh who controls the tempo for the team, after the red card he picked up in last year's final against Bengaluru FC. “Under Sergio, Goa have literally had the same personnel in the squad. They have made one or two adjustments that have made them a better team. It is a tough game for us. Our team, certainly our foreigners, need to adapt very quickly. There is not a more difficult away game than Goa,” said Gregory. Gregory will hope that his ‘re-jigged’ team can summon the spirit of 2017-18 season and start the season on a positive note.  For Lobera, this season will be all about finally getting their hands on the elusive ISL trophy.