The match preview of Gokulam Kerala FC vs Aizawl FC
After the 1-1 draw away to Real Kashmir, Gokulam Kerala returns to Calicut for their first home match of the season. Gokulam Kerala will take on Aizawl FC at the EMS Corporation Stadium tomorrow at 7 PM. The Malabarians had a decent start to the season collecting four points from two away matches and will be looking to continue the current form. They faced two tough opponents away, both the matches on artificial turf, and came back with one win and a draw. Aizawl FC, on the other hand, will be high on confidence having conceded no goals in the two matches so far with their all-Indian squad. The men from the mountains can give the Malabarians a run for their money in their first away match of the season.
This fixture has been a high-scoring one in the last couple of seasons at the EMS Stadium. Last season it was a thrilling 4-3 win for Gokulam Kerala. The season before that was a comfortable 3-0 win for the home side.
Tharpuia, Aizawl FC’s wonder boy, recently moved to Gokulam Kerala and also found his name on the scoresheet as well. Coming on as a substitute against Sreenidi Deccan, he beat the goalkeeper from the long range. He will be up against his former side tomorrow. Rinzuala, a former Gokulam Kerala player, will be on the Aizawl side. Last season, he scored against Gokulam Kerala at the EMS stadium and was the Indian top goalscorer in the I-League with 15 goals.
On head-to-head comparison, Aizawl FC has a slight advantage having won 5 wins out of the eleven matches played against each other. Gokulam Kerala FC managed to win four matches and two ended in a draw. This match promises goals, considering the yesteryear results when the teams played against each other. Both teams are on 4 points after the first two matches and will be trying to get the better of each other to climb up the table.
Defense this season has been a headache for the men from Malabar as their experienced center-back Amino Bouba left the team last season. Amino is also the most capped player for Gokulam Kerala FC and the reason for not extending his contract is still a mystery for the fans. He scored the opening goal for Real Kashmir FC in the last match against Gokulam. The all-four Indian defense is yet to find the rhythm and appears vulnerable to high-pressing football. Martin Chaves and Nacho Abeledo are in fine form and goals can be expected from them tomorrow.
Battalia, the fan group of Gokulam Kerala FC, has laid out a detailed plan to welcome their team for the first home game of the season. The audience can expect a good turnout and enthusiastic chanting from the east gallery.
Results so far:
Sreenidi Deccan 2-3 Gokulam Kerala, Real Kashmir FC 1-1 Gokulam Kerala
Aizawl FC 0-0 Dempo SC, Aizawl FC 2-0 SC Bengaluru
Our predicted Gokulam Kerala starting XI:
Shibin Raj (GK), Nidhin Krishna, Mashoor Shareef, Athul Unnikrishnan, Sebastian Zo, Sergio Llamas ©, Emil Benny, Tharpuia, Nacho Abeledo, VP. Suhair, Martín Cháves
