Stable FC Goa take on rebuilt Chennaiyin FC

Most of ir key players of last season retained for this year, FC Goa will begin ir Indian Super League campaign against former champions Chennaiyin FC at Jawaharlal Nehru stadium here on Wednesday.

Gaurs will look to start new season on a winning te against a club that finished rock-bottom last season. However, after a summer of rebuilding, Chennaiyin will be er to prove that last season was just an aberration.

Interestingly, both manrs -- Sergio Lobera and John Gregory -- are into ir third seasons with FC Goa and Chennaiyin.

Last season runners-up FC Goa have a sense of stability in team as y have retained most of ir key players, international and domestic.

likes of Ferran Corominas, Hugo Boumous, Ahmed Jahouh and Edu Bedia are all into ir third season too with Gaurs. Mandar Rao Dessai, Seriton Fernandes, Lenny Rodrigues and Jackichand Singh are all familiar with Lobera's methods.

" preparation before first match has been very good. players are in very good condition, y are very good professionals. I am very happy with pre-season, but most important thing is first match. We will play a good match at home and try to get three points," Lobera said.

Chennaiyin, on or hand, have undergone a rebuild after shambles of last season. John Gregory has completely revamped his foreign contingent barring Eli Sabia and has brought in six players from abroad.

Even Indian contingent has seen some changes, with likes of Vishal Kaith, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Edwin Vanspaul and Rahim Ali coming into side.

"We almost have a brand-new team. We had seven foreigners last season of which we have changed six of m. We are very happy with our domestic players. With new foreigners, we hope y have same influence as y had in season four," Gregory said.

Goa will be favourites at home but fortunately for Chennaiyin, hosts will miss services of Ahmed Jahouh who controls tempo for team, after red card he picked up in last year's final against Bengaluru FC.

"Under Sergio, Goa have literally had same personnel in squad. y have made one or two adjustments that have made m a better team. It is a tough game for us. Our team, certainly our foreigners, need to adapt very quickly. re is t a more difficult away game than Goa," said Gregory.

Gregory will hope that his re-jigged team can summon spirit of 2017-18 season and start on a positive te.