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Federation Cup Preview: Viva Kerala - Salgaocar
This game will be inconsequential if East Bengal win the afternoon tie against JCT…
26-Dec-2009 11:53:03 PM
Unbeaten Viva Kerala take on Goa’s Salgaocar in a crucial
Group A encounter at Silchar on Sunday evening.
Too Many Draws
Viva haven’t lost any match so far in the Federation Cup but they have only managed two goalless draws. The bottom placed team of the I-League did well to hold East Bengal but achieved the same against JCT also which means they must now hope that the red and gold brigade fail to beat JCT, which would leave them needing a victory to progress to the last four.
The side from Kerala have looked well organized in both their matches but have lacked creativity and the forwards haven’t really looked like scoring. Playmaker Sakeer will be badly missed through suspension but young Karma and Sirajudeen have impressed and will be looking to perform even better in this game.
Much like in the I-League, the strikers have been a real letdown and since Viva require a win the likes of Reuben Senyo and Shibinlal must step up. They haven’t conceded any goals so coach Sreedharan will be hoping for a third consecutive clean sheet which would give them another strong foundation to push on for the victory.
The relevance of this match depends on the result between East Bengal and JCT in the earlier game. If the Kolkata club do slip up, Viva should rise to the occasion and make the most of this golden opportunity of making the Federation Cup semis.
Not In Our Hands
The defeat against East Bengal after beating JCT in the first game, was a big setback to Salgaocar’s semi final aspirations as now their fate is no longer in their own hands. Their hopes rest entirely on the outcome of the East Bengal – JCT match. Like Viva, Salgaocar would be praying that JCT deny East Bengal three points and depending on whether it’s a draw or defeat for the Kolkata outfit, three time Federation Cup champions Salgaocar will know exactly what they need to qualify for the semis.
Like many of the other teams in this group, Salgaocar are a very resolute outfit, who don’t concede too many goals but find it difficult to score at the other end. They tend to depend heavily on Nigerian striker Mandjou Keita to get them the goals as Manjit Singh isn’t as proficient in front of goal.
The duo of Cajetan Fernandes and Francis Fernandes work extremely hard in midfield while Luciano Sabrosa is the heartbeat of the defence. Clearly their problems lies in scoring goals so if the strikers fail again, maybe someone like Rocus Lamare can pop up with a goal from midfield.
Tim Hankinson’s side will have to wait and see the result of the afternoon game. If they do stay in contention even after the conclusion of that game, Salgaocar will be fancying their chances of getting the requisite result that would take them to the last four.
Form Guide
Viva Kerala
Viva Kerala 0-0 JCT
East Bengal 0-0 Viva Kerala
Dempo 3-1 Viva Kerala
Salgaocar
Salgaocar 0-1 East Bengal
Salgaocar 1-0 JCT
Salgaocar 0-0 JCT
Team News
Viva Kerala
AM Sreedharan’s team will miss the services of MP Sakeer through suspension due to double booking.
Salgaocar
Salgaoacar has no new injury concerns.
Players To Watch
Viva Kerala - T Karma
The young midfielder has shown glimpses of his talent in the first two games. All he needs to do now is create or score a goal for his team.
Salgaocar - Manjit Singh
The striker has the ability to be a matchwinner and it’s high time now for him to break his duck in national competitions. Keita will be well marked by Viva which could provide Majit the chance to score and make a name for himself.
Key Areas
Both teams struggle to score goals so the forwards will have to show more composure. At the same time the midfielders must provide good service or else another goalless draw could be on the cards.
Amoy Ghoshal
For more onFederation Cup , please visit our Federation Cup section!
Too Many Draws
Viva haven’t lost any match so far in the Federation Cup but they have only managed two goalless draws. The bottom placed team of the I-League did well to hold East Bengal but achieved the same against JCT also which means they must now hope that the red and gold brigade fail to beat JCT, which would leave them needing a victory to progress to the last four.
The side from Kerala have looked well organized in both their matches but have lacked creativity and the forwards haven’t really looked like scoring. Playmaker Sakeer will be badly missed through suspension but young Karma and Sirajudeen have impressed and will be looking to perform even better in this game.
Much like in the I-League, the strikers have been a real letdown and since Viva require a win the likes of Reuben Senyo and Shibinlal must step up. They haven’t conceded any goals so coach Sreedharan will be hoping for a third consecutive clean sheet which would give them another strong foundation to push on for the victory.
The relevance of this match depends on the result between East Bengal and JCT in the earlier game. If the Kolkata club do slip up, Viva should rise to the occasion and make the most of this golden opportunity of making the Federation Cup semis.
Not In Our Hands
The defeat against East Bengal after beating JCT in the first game, was a big setback to Salgaocar’s semi final aspirations as now their fate is no longer in their own hands. Their hopes rest entirely on the outcome of the East Bengal – JCT match. Like Viva, Salgaocar would be praying that JCT deny East Bengal three points and depending on whether it’s a draw or defeat for the Kolkata outfit, three time Federation Cup champions Salgaocar will know exactly what they need to qualify for the semis.
Like many of the other teams in this group, Salgaocar are a very resolute outfit, who don’t concede too many goals but find it difficult to score at the other end. They tend to depend heavily on Nigerian striker Mandjou Keita to get them the goals as Manjit Singh isn’t as proficient in front of goal.
The duo of Cajetan Fernandes and Francis Fernandes work extremely hard in midfield while Luciano Sabrosa is the heartbeat of the defence. Clearly their problems lies in scoring goals so if the strikers fail again, maybe someone like Rocus Lamare can pop up with a goal from midfield.
Tim Hankinson’s side will have to wait and see the result of the afternoon game. If they do stay in contention even after the conclusion of that game, Salgaocar will be fancying their chances of getting the requisite result that would take them to the last four.
Form Guide
Viva Kerala
Viva Kerala 0-0 JCT
East Bengal 0-0 Viva Kerala
Dempo 3-1 Viva Kerala
Salgaocar
Salgaocar 0-1 East Bengal
Salgaocar 1-0 JCT
Salgaocar 0-0 JCT
Team News
Viva Kerala
AM Sreedharan’s team will miss the services of MP Sakeer through suspension due to double booking.
Salgaocar
Salgaoacar has no new injury concerns.
Players To Watch
Viva Kerala - T Karma
The young midfielder has shown glimpses of his talent in the first two games. All he needs to do now is create or score a goal for his team.
Salgaocar - Manjit Singh
The striker has the ability to be a matchwinner and it’s high time now for him to break his duck in national competitions. Keita will be well marked by Viva which could provide Majit the chance to score and make a name for himself.
Key Areas
Both teams struggle to score goals so the forwards will have to show more composure. At the same time the midfielders must provide good service or else another goalless draw could be on the cards.
Amoy Ghoshal
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