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FC Pune City host NorthEast United FC in Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium in Pune on Saturday. The Stallions will be high on confidence after defeating a free-scoring FC Goa 2-0 and handing them their first home defeat of the season, while also restricting them from scoring for the first time in the ongoing campaign. However, they would be without head coach Ranko Popovic who has been handed a four-match touchline ban. The Highlanders, on the other hand, have won only one of their six fixtures this season and will enter the match at the back of three consecutive losses. They need a quick change in fortunes if they want to bag that elusive semi-finals berth, and would hope that it begins with the trip to Pune.
HEAD TO HEAD
FC Pune City 2 – 3 NorthEast United FC (1 Draw)
KEY PLAYERS
Emiliano Alfaro (FC Pune City)
The Uruguayan has been at his lethal best this season. He leads the attack line for his team, and his pace and dribbling can take to task any odd defence in the league. The 29-year-old has been prolific in front of the goal, finding the net five times already while also notching up an assist. The Highlanders would be in for a tough time if he is his usual deadly self.
Marcinho (NorthEast United FC)
The Brazilian has been one of the few NorthEast players who has caught the eye. He possesses good pace and strength, and always seems to create an opening when the ball is at his feet. The 31-year-old has scored once this season and manages a good few shots every game. If he brings his A-game into the fray, the Highlanders would most certainly be in the reckoning for a result.
POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUPS
FC Pune City
The Stallions would most likely be lined up in the 4-2-3-1 formation that got them success against Goa in their last match.
Goalkeeper: Vishal Kaith
Defenders: Sarthak Golui, Gurtej Singh, Rafael Lopez, Lalchhuanmawia Fanai
Midfielders: Marcos Tebar, Adil Khan, Ashique Kuruniyan, Marcelinho, Jonatan Lucca
Forward: Emiliano Alfaro
The home team’s assistant coach Vladica Grujic on Pune’s mindset: “We have lost the last two games at home, but the opponent have only had one or two shots at goal. But I think the team is improving every day. We don’t have to think about what’s happened before; we just have to play our best.”
NorthEast United FC
Joao de Deus may want to counter Pune by lining The Highlanders in his own 4-2-3-1 formation.
Goalkeeper: TP Rehenesh
Defenders: Nirmal Chettri, Jose Goncalves, Sambinha, Reagan Singh
Midfielders: Martin Diaz, Rowllin Borges, Seiminlen Doungel, Marcinho, Halicharan Narzary
Forward: Luis Alfonso
The visitor’s head coach on their opponents of the night: “This team is a team with quality. They have two guys who do counter-attack well, which is the strongest point of the team. It is easier to counter-attack away than home. If you pay attention to the last game, they were brave and they defended well. They took two-three counter attacks to score.”
KEY STATS
- These are the only two teams that have played since the inaugural ISL season, but have not qualified for the semi-final even once
- NorthEast’s highest scorer last season was Alfaro with five goals. The Uruguayan has already scored as many so far this season for Pune, and will face his former club for the first time
LAST ENCOUNTER
NorthEast United 1 – 0 FC Pune City (22nd November 2016 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati)
FORM GUIDE (Last five matches)
FC Pune City: W L W L W
NorthEast United FC: L L L W L
