NorthEast United welcome Mumbai City FC for crunch clash

The hosts will look to continue with their unbeaten run in the league as they face the Islanders.

NorthEast United FC return to action after the international break on Wednesday, when the Highlanders welcome Mumbai City FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium. The hosts are still unbeaten in the league, a run they would like to keep rolling. The visitors, in contrast, have had a difficult start to the campaign with two humbling defeats in their last two matches, which sees them just two places off the bottom of the table.

The Stakes

Robert Jarni’s men haven’t been dominating in their games, but have impressively been able to grind out results. Late goals in each of their last three games are a testament to their newfound grit. On Wednesday, they would hope to impose themselves on their beleaguered opponents and fortify their position in the playoff places. [KH_ADWORDS type="3" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS] Mumbai City FC had a tough last couple of games, defensively capitulating to identical 2-4 defeats at home. The international break couldn’t have come at a better time for Jorge Costa, as it afforded him time to ponder on his team’s performances. It also allowed a number of his injured key personnel to be nearer to full fitness.

Team News

NorthEast United The Highlanders were handed a major boost in the international break. The influential Federico Gallego has resumed training with the team, following his ACL rupture towards the end of last season. Rupert Nongrum is also back following a lengthy spell on the sidelines. However both of them are unlikely to be risked by the coach this soon. Kai Heerings, though, will miss the next game, as part of a two-match disciplinary ban imposed on him for his part in the scuffle in the last home game against FC Goa. Mumbai City FC Moudou Sougou and former Highlanders Mato Grgic and Rowllin Borges were absentees in Mumbai’s defeat against FC Goa in their last game. All three of them have resumed training, but will likely be short of match fitness on Wednesday.

Head-to-Head

The two teams have met each other 10 times previously. Historically, Mumbai City have had the upper hand, winning six times, whereas NorthEast United have won just thrice.

Probable Lineups

NorthEast United FC: Subhasish, Reagan, Komorski, Wayne Vaz, Rakesh, Leudo, Milan, Redeem, Triadis, Chaves, Gyan. Mumbai City FC: Amrinder, Chakrabarti, Sarthak, Pratik, Subhasish, Raynier, Larbi, Machado, Diego, Bipin, Chermiti.

Man to Watch

Redeem Tlang One of the standout performers in the Highlanders' ranks and an absolute fan-favourite, Redeem has become a vital component in Robert Jarni’s counter-attacking gameplay. Having already bulged the net in the two previous home games, the winger would be confident to make it a hat-trick of sorts. Amine Chermiti The 31-year-old former Tunisian international is a very capable striker, blessed with the experience of playing in several clubs and winning multiple pieces of silverware along the way. Chermiti hasn’t found the net since grabbing the winner in their first game and is due for one. [KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News | Article Continues Below"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

Did You Know

• NorthEast United FC have lost each of the last three encounters against Mumbai City FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium without even scoring once.
• Mumbai City FC are unbeaten in their travels so far, their two losses both coming at home.
• Amine Chermiti played a valuable role in guiding Etoile Sahel to the African Champions League title in 2007, in which he scored eight goals including the winner in the final.

Broadcast

The game will take place at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati on Wednesday and will be telecast live on Star Sports 2 and Star Sports 2 HD from 7:30 PM IST. It will also be streamed on Hotstar and Jio TV.