Preview: Out of sync NorthEast United host in-form Mumbai City

The Highlanders await their first victory of the season.

The Indian Super League (ISL 2022-23) is well underway amidst the FIFA World Cup happening just a few thousand kilometres away. The focus now shifts to this week’s second game that will take place in Guwahati. NorthEast United will play host to the former ISL Champions Mumbai City on a Friday evening. The Islanders will go up against the Highlanders with a hope to continue their fine run of form.

The Stakes

NorthEast United

NorthEast United are yet to find their mojo and are the only team on the table with no points to show for their efforts. The Highlanders come into the game on the back of a six-match losing run and will surely want to put this behind their back come Friday.

Marco Balbul’s boys have undergone two weeks rest and should be able to bring out a better version of themselves. NorthEast United should take inspiration from the fact that they are unbeaten at home against the visitors for the last four years.

Mumbai City

The Islanders on the other hand are enjoying a sublime run of form and have little to worry as they make a trip to the other end of the country. Des Buckingham’s side come into the game after scoring 10 goals in their last two matches and are surely high on confidence. 

The former champions need to be alert of the danger that the Highlanders possess, as with not much to lose, NorthEast could surely bring out a surprise out of nowhere.

Injury & Team News

Provat Lakra will not be available for NorthEast United while Mumbai City's Amey Ranawade is ruled for the rest of the season. NorthEast United’s latest import Jordan Wilmar will also be available for selection.

Head-to-Head

The two sides have come up against each other 16 times.

Played - 16

NorthEast United - 5

Mumbai City - 7 

Drawn - 4

Predicted Line-ups

NorthEast United (4-3-3)

Arindam Bhattacharya, Joe Zoherliana, Aaron Evans, Michael Jakobsen, Gurjinder Kumar, Romain Philippoteaux, Jon Gaztanaga, Emmanuel Lalchhanchhuaha, Imran Khan, Parthib Gogoi, Jithin MS

Mumbai City (4-2-3-1)

Phurba Lachenpa, Rahul Bheke, Rostyn Griffiths, Mehtab Singh, Mandar Rao Dessai, Apuia, Ahmed Jahouh, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Greg Stewart, Bipin Singh, Jorge Pereyra Diaz

Player to watch

Aaron Evans (NorthEast United)

The Aussie defender has been rewarded with game-time following his good displays on the pitch. Aaron has been really good at the back while making significant contributions on the other end of the pitch as well.

He became the second goal-scorer for NorthEast United this season after he netted a blasting header into the back of the net in their last outing against ATK Mohun Bagan.

Jorge Pereyra Diaz (Mumbai City)

The Argentine has been in sublime form since the past few games. He has been regular in terms of scoring and his presence up front has been a sign of worry for every opposition.

A minute space can be utilised to its extreme if NorthEast United defenders keep Jorge Pereyra Diaz unmarked.

Did You Know?

• NorthEast United were the only team to complete the league double over Mumbai City in the latter's title winning season.
• 11 goals have been witnessed in the last three meetings between these two sides.
• Mumbai City are the only team who are yet to lose while NorthEast United are the only team who are yet to win this season.

Telecast

The match between NorthEast United and Mumbai City will be played at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati. The match will kick-off at 7:30 PM IST and will be telecasted on the Star Sports network. It will also be live streamed on Disney+Hotstar and Jio TV.