Preview: NorthEast United aim revival against Chennaiyin FC

The Highlanders haven't defeated the Marina Machans since January, 2019.

Although things have gone from bad to worse for NorthEast United this season, a ray of hope has just come in. The Highlanders have lost eight out of their eight ISL 2022-23 games and have finally parted ways with Israeli head coach Marco Balbul. Chennaiyin FC on the other hand have had a mixed season with a few ups and downs so far. The Marina Machans come to Guwahati with a hope to take something back.

Let’s dive straight into the preview.

The Stakes

NorthEast United

NorthEast United are experiencing their worst ever start to an ISL season having lost all of their eight games. The Highlanders come into this game following a 2-1 defeat to Odisha FC. And to add more to their misery, the club has parted ways with Israeli head coach Marco Balbul.

But, it seems the fans have something to cheer for. Two-time I-league winner head coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese has been handed over the hot seat for the remainder of the season. The Italian coach has landed in Guwahati and has taken over the first team.

Chennaiyin FC

Chennaiyin FC have played eight games wherein they have won three, lost four and drawn just one. They come into the game on the back of two consecutive losses and are in search of their way back. 

The two-time ISL Champions have produced some mouth watering performances this season, but inconsistency in maintaining their momentum has been their biggest setback. Thomas Brdarić and co will have to be on their toes as NorthEast United could now become a completely new-look side.

Head-to-Head

Both sides have played against each other 16 times.

Played - 16

NorthEast United - 6

Chennaiyin FC - 5

Drawn - 5

Team News

NorthEast United are expected to have a fully fit squad for this encounter. For Chennaiyin FC however, Anirudh Thapa, Alexander Romario Jesuraj and Jiteshwor Singh are still out of action. Rafael Crivellaro has also joined Jamshedpur FC recently. One positive is that Narayan Das will be back in the squad.

Predicted Line-ups

NorthEast United (4-3-3)

Arindam Bhattacharya, Joe Zoherliana, Gaurav Bora, Michael Jakobsen, Gurjinder Kumar, Romain Philippoteaux, Jon Gaztanaga, Emmanuel Lalchhanchhuaha, Parthib Gogoi, Matt Derbyshire, Jithin MS.

Chennaiyin FC (4-2-3-1)

Debjit Majumder, Ajith Kumar, Fallou Diagne, Gurmukh Singh, Aakash Sangwan, Edwin Sydney Vanspaul, Julius Duker, Vincy Baretto, Nasser El Khayati, Prasanth K, Petar Sliskovic.

Player to watch

Parthib Gogoi (NorthEast United)

Gogoi has been one of the few takeaways for NorthEast United so far this season. The local prodigy has shown signs of improvement and has worked upon himself. He scored a superb goal against Mumbai City last month and will be looking to build upon it. But, can he win Vincenzo’s trust as well? Only time will tell.

Nasser El Khayati (Chennaiyin FC)

The Dutch midfielder is undoubtedly Chennaiyin FC’s main man this season. He is full of life, trickery, and unreal goal scoring abilities on the pitch. His swift and clever movements have questioned many defenders this season and it will be no different in Guwahati. Notably, El Khayati has scored four goals and created two in five matches this season (most of them when he came on as a substitute).

Did You Know?

• NorthEast United share the best head-to-head record against Chennaiyin FC.
• This fixture averages 3.25 goals per game.
• Chennaiyin FC completed the league double over NorthEast United last season.
• NorthEast United haven’t won against Chennaiyin FC since January 2019.

Telecast

The match between NorthEast United and Chennaiyin FC 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.