Peter Ramage vs Reinaldo
Peter Ramage can expect to be kept busy against a FC Goa team who are currently the second highest scoring side in the league. Ramage has been exceptional for Kerala all season and is the only player to have started every game for the men in yellow. The Englishman has also made more blocks (15) and clearances (140) than anyone from his side. Top scorer for the Gaurs this season, Reinaldo’s return to Goa after a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to injury comes as a welcome shot in the arm for Zico’s men. The powerful Brazilian target-man has netted four times for his team in eight appearances this season and has also made an assist. His ability to finish and create chances for his team-mates makes him pivotal to Goa’s fortunes in the last stretch of Hero ISL 2015.
Josu vs Leo Moura
Josu will have to play a key role if Kerala are to get a win against FC Goa on Sunday. The young Spaniard’s vision in midfield has seen him make three assists for Kerala this year. Blessed with exceptional technical ability, his gift to deliver picture-perfect crosses from set-pieces is an added threat to the Gaurs. His stunning strike against NorthEast United FC earlier in the season has been one of the highlights of Kerala’s campaign in Season 2.Leo Moura has been one of the finds of the league this season and the stats show us why. The linchpin in midfield for Goa, no player in the league has completed more chances than the veteran Brazilian (636). He is also the joint record-holder for most number of assists this season (6) and has found the back of the net twice for the Gaurs this year.
Antonio German vs Lucio
One wonders what might have been the case for Kerala Blasters FC had Antonio German not been sidelined through injury in the early stages of the league. Since his return to the Kerala fold, the pacey Englishman has scored five times and provided an assist for the Blasters in just seven appearances. He and Iain Hume (Atlético de Kolkata) are the the only players to have scored in four consecutive matches.
Lucio will be tested against a pacey Kerala frontline that features the likes of Chris Dagnall and Antonio German. The veteran Brazilian will have to bring all his experience into play if he hopes to nullify a potent-looking attacking-line. The former FIFA World Cup winner is also a threat in the opposition penalty box from set-pieces and has looked comfortable in possession which his passing accuracy of 84% bears testimony to.
