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NorthEast United FC host FC Pune City in Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Wednesday. In their previous encounter, the Highlanders were involved in a 2 – 2 thriller against FC Goa, managing to snatch a crucial point after falling behind twice. They would look to tighten up their defence, but show much of the same attacking flair against the visitors.
The Stallions, on the other hand, were on the receiving end of a 1-2 defeat at home, going down to a last-minute strike from Kerala Blasters FC, in a match where they majorly dominated proceedings. Playing in a tricky away fixture, they would want to be more clinical in front of goal. Pune would be high on confidence though, having routed their opponents 5 – 0, when the two teams had met earlier this season.
HEAD TO HEAD
NorthEast United FC 3 – 3 FC Pune City (1 draws)
KEY PLAYERS
Marcinho (NorthEast United FC)
The Brazilian has been the main initiator of attacks for the Highlanders. He has cut open the opposition defence frequently and possesses clinical finishing skills. A good dribbler of the ball, the 31-year-old has four goals and an assist to his name and will look to inspire his side to a win at home.
Diego Carlos (FC Pune City)
The winger has been a key figure on the flanks for the Stallions. He has used his pace to good effect and has been efficient in cutting in and taking his chances, as well as providing incisive crosses. The 29-year-old has a goal and an assist to his name this season and will play a key role when his team visits Guwahati.
POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUPS
NorthEast United FC
Avram Grant will probably field a 4-2-3-1 formation, hoping to utilize their midfield and flanks to good effect.
Goalkeeper: TP Rehenesh
Defenders: Nirmal Chettri, Jose Goncalves, Sambinha, Reagan Singh
Midfielders: John Mosquera, Rowllin Borges, Seiminlen Doungel, Marcinho, Halicharan Narzary
Forward: Danilo Lopes
Highlanders head coach on the team’s mentality and approach to the game: “We need to do our job on the pitch. It’s not easy because we are far behind, but we first need to do our job. We need to continue to play the football that we played in the last games. Also, we need to win games and then what will happen will happen. We want to win the next game.”
FC Pune City
Ranko Popovic may counter with his own 4-2-3-1 formation, with Emiliano Alfaro spearheading the Stallions’ attack.
Goalkeeper: Vishal Kaith
Defenders: Sarthak Golui, Gurtej Singh, Rafael Lopez, Lalchhuanmawia Fanai
Midfielders: Diego Carlos, Adil Khan, Jonatan Lucca, Marcelinho, Ashique Kuruniyan
Forward: Emiliano Alfaro
Stallions assistant coach Vladica Grujic on the opponents: “In the last match, NorthEast played against one of the best teams in the league and they drew. They may be at the bottom of the table, but we know they are a very strong team. I expect a very difficult opponent tomorrow.”
KEY STATS
Neither teams have ever made it to the playoffs of ISL
Pune have never beaten NorthEast in Guwahati
PREVIOUS ENCOUNTER
FC Pune City 5 – 0 NorthEast United FC (30th December 2017 at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Pune)
FORM GUIDE
NorthEast United FC: D L W L W
FC Pune City: L W W L D
