Goal

Recent Form
Sporting’s form hasn’t been the best as they could garner just a point in the last three games. At the turn of the New Year, the club’s fortunes changed as they defeated several top clubs but off late are back where it all started.
In the last game, they were lucky not to lose against Salgaocar. So far, the Goan side has just scored 9 goals in 13 outings.
Viva Kerala aren’t far behind as they too were thrashed in the last three though by top teams. Both Viva and Sporting have had success against the Kolkata clubs. Scoring has also been a problem area for the Keralaites as they managed only 10.
Viva Kerala have taken the honors from bottom placed Salgaocar of having the worst defensive record.
Team News
Sporting have a long list of injury worries and this time skipper Wilton Gomes figures on the list. Sumananda is still not fit meanwhile; Bibiano Fernandes who came back from an injury in the last game is a doubtful starter due to groin problem.
Denzil Franco is out because of having two yellow cards. Joe Pereira is back from injury and is fit for the clash.
Viva Kerala don’t have anyone on the treatment table but Ebin Rose is out for carrying double booking.
What They Say
Sporting coach Clifford Chukuwama admitted that the race for the title and relegation battle has tightened thanks to the results in the last two rounds.
“Everything has become wide open – both at the top and the bottom.
“Against Viva, we shall give our best and hope for the three points,” said Clifford.
Viva Kerala coach Sreedharan feels that nothing is going his side’s way in the league.
“The other results aren’t favoring us and we have lots of problems.
“Sporting are a good side. I saw their game against Mohun Bagan which they won at home. We are desperate for points and need to snatch them from Sporting.”
Past Meetings
The sixth round clash between the above mentioned sides resulted in a goalless draw though Viva dominated the game.


Key Players

Elijah Junior: He scored the decisive goal in the game against Mohun Bagan which was the last win by Sporting in the league. They need him to inspire them to another victory which shall do them loads of good.


Badmus Baba Thunde: The Nigerian has been a shadow of himself this season as he hasn’t been on the scoresheet as often as last year. Viva Kerala need their frontmen to deliver and Baba Thunde has to come up to his best.







source:goal.com