NorthEast United FC look to find some respite against Guimaraes' wounded Mumbai City

John's Highlanders entertain Ranbir's Islanders in a clash that'll see two tactical managers go head-to-head. 

A lowly NorthEast United FC entertain fifth placed Mumbai City FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati. While the Highlanders are still looking for their first home win this season, the boys from the west coast will also look to better their away form in the league.

The Stakes:

It has been a topsy-turvy ride for the Highlanders so far this season. However, the NEUFC boss is confident of a good show from his boys in the upcoming game and believes his side can turn things around with a win. Despite the loss in their last game, De Deus was impressed with the way his side pressed Kerala Blasters even after being down to 10-men.

On the contrary, Mumbai City FC, headed by Alexandre Guimares, will try to register their first away win in this ISL.  It will be the second game in a span of four days for the Islanders, who were beaten on their home turf by ATK couple of days ago.

It needs to be seen which team draws first blood on Wednesday. While the visitors are used to a deep-lying style of play and hitting back the opposition on counter attacks, the home team needs to make most of their wing play and convert those half chances which have been a matter of serious concern time and again.

Team News:

NEUFC: Ravi Kumar is expected to replace TP Rehenesh who will sit out after being red-carded against Kerala Blasters. Reagan Singh is once again expected to get the nod ahead of Robert Lalthlamuana to fill in the right back position. De Deus, as usual, might not tinker much with the forward line. Halicharan Narzary will look to keep his place in the starting XI and give the crowd something to cheer about come Wednesday.

MCFC: Amrinder Singh has been rock solid under the bar for the visitors this season. Leo Costa, Aiborlang Khongjee and Zakeer Mundampara are not expected to be part of the squad until mid-January due to injury concerns. Guimaraes will expect Balwant Singh and Everton Santos to fire upfront while Abhinas Ruidas and Sehnaj Singh bolster the midfield.

Head to Head:

2014: MCFC 0-2 NEUFC, NEUFC 1-1 MCFC

2015: MCFC 5-1 NEUFC, NEUFC 2-0 MCFC

2016: MCFC 1-0 NEUFC, NEUFC 0-1 MCFC

Man to Watch:

Danilo - NorthEast United FC: Despite his recent goal-scoring doldrums, this 26-year old Brazilian striker will be a constant threat to the visitors. Danilo has got the coach’s backing and Wednesday would be a nice day to prove that and silence his critics.

Recap of NorthEast United's last outing in the Hero ISL

Everton Santos - Mumbai City FC: Another Brazilian attacking midfielder/striker to look forward to, Everton Santos has contributed 1 goal and 2 assists for Mumbai so far. His canny sense of anticipation and brilliance with the ball could come in handy once again on the matchday.

Mumbai City FC had an unlucky outing the last time around

Probable Line Ups:

NorthEast United FC:

Ravi Kumar, Nirmal, Sambinha, Goncalves, Reagan, Borges, Goiano, Doungel, Marcinho, Narzary, Lopes

Mumbai City FC:

Amrinder, Lalchhawnkima, Gerson, Goian, Rozario, Sehnaj, Emana, Ruidas Davinder, Balwant, Santos

Did You Know:

• NEUFC centre back Martian Diaz was the captain of Uruguayan U-17 national team for the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship
• Mumbai City FC’s Amrinder Singh tops the chart for most saves (26) this season.
• Achille Emana of Mumbai City FC has 50 international caps for Cameroon, representing his country in the FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa.

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Broadcast:

The match will be broadcast live on Star Sports 2 and Stars Sports 2 HD 7.45 pm onwards. It will be also available for live streaming on Hotstar and Jio TV.