Preview: NorthEast United face tough ATK Mohun Bagan test

The Highlanders will look to avenge the defeat in the reverse fixture.

NorthEast United and ATK Mohun Bagan will face each other in the Indian Super League 2020-21 on Tuesday. Antonio Lopez Habas and Co. secured three points when these two teams last met and look strong on paper before this fixture.  While NEUFC are trying to get back into the playoffs, ATKMB will look to remain on the heels of Mumbai City FC for the top spot. That said, the contest will be closely fought between two sides, who have shown immense fighting spirit. 

The Stakes

NorthEast United’s season are going through an uncertain period. The results have been inconsistent of late and Gerard Nus’ departure from the club could derail their campaign. However, the outfit are still in contention for the top four positions and must get back in the groove which they found in the initial phase of the season.

The high-flying Mariners are probably the only team in the competition that can catch MCFC. The fight for the top spot, which will ensure a direct place in the AFC Champions League group stages, will be one to watch for their fans and the neutrals. The club will be looking to build on their impressive win against Chennaiyin FC in the last game and close the gap.

Team News

It will be interesting to see if Khalid Jamil will step on the sidelines since he was announced as the head coach, replacing the outgoing Gerard Nus. The team are relatively free of injuries and suspensions and it will be interesting to see how they lineup under Jamil's supervision.

One can expect Habas to field the same starting XI, considering the solid performance by the team against CFC. There are no injury concerns either, apart from long-term absentees Michael Soosairaj and Jobby Justin. Therefore, the coach will have a full strength squad to choose from. David Williams could start the match as he regains his form. 

Probable Lineups

NorthEast United FC: Chowdhury; Mehta, Shereef, Fox, Kumar; Gallego, Camara, Lalengmawia; Machado, Meetei, Sylla.

ATKMB: Bhattacharya; Kotal, Jhingan, Tiri, Bose; McHugh, Sahil, Manvir, Williams, Hernandez; Krishna.

Head-to-Head

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWfXLjVBtOc

Since ATKMB’s merger, the two outfits have only met once earlier in the season, where the Mariners won by a scoreline of 2-0. The Highlanders will look to avenge that defeat when they face each other again. 

Man to Watch

Federico Gallego (NorthEast United FC)

NorthEast United massively depend on their creative powerhouse in Federico Gallego. The midfielder is a class apart from the rest of his teammates in terms of ball distribution and vision. His influence in the team’s attacking play will be vital if NEUFC are to penetrate ATKMB’s defensive line.

For his performance against Jamshedpur FC, Gallego was also adjudged as the Hero of the Match. His deliveries from free-kicks and corners will provide his teammates plenty of scoring chances and the opposition must contain him.

David Williams (ATK Mohun Bagan)

David Williams seems to come up with important goals time and again for his side. Even though the attacker started from the bench, he scored the winner in the dying stages of the game against Chennaiyin FC.

His positioning and movement cause a lot of trouble to the opposition defenders. NEUFC’s backline must be wary and cautious of the threat posed by Williams, in addition to players like Krishna and Manvir.  

Did You Know?

• With eight clean-sheets, Arindam Bhattacharya is joint-top in the league. 
• NEUFC have drawn six games in the competition, the most in the league along with Hyderabad FC and Chennaiyin FC.
• In seven editions of the ISL, NEUFC have had nine different head coaches.

Telecast

The live telecast of the match between NorthEast United FC and ATK Mohun Bagan will be available on Star Sports 1 SD & HD, Star Sports 2 SD & HD (English), Star Sports Hindi 1 SD & HD, Star Sports 3 and several other regional languages. Live streaming of the match will be available on Hotstar and Jio TV.