Preview: High-flying NorthEast United look to derail Chennaiyin FC

The Highlanders will move to joint-top on points if they manage to emerge victorious on Sunday.

NorthEast United are set to face Chennaiyin FC in their sixth match of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2020-21 season. It has been a bright start for the Highlanders as they are yet to lose a match with three draws and two wins. Marina Machans, on the other hand, prepare come into this clash on the back of two defeats. The Highlanders will look to continue their unbeaten run while their counterparts will try to end their run of losses.

The Stakes

Before the start of the season, NorthEast United couldn’t have hoped for a better start especially after taking into consideration the quality of opposition they have faced. With two wins and three draws in five games, they sit comfortably at third, occupying one of the playoffs spots. Scoring goals has also not been a problem so far as they have scored in all of their matches. The team has also shown strong resilience as they have come from behind twice already to salvage a point against Kerala Blasters and Bengaluru FC. The Highlanders will go into Sunday’s game full of confidence as they will try to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.

On the other hand, Chennaiyin FC started with a win against Jamshedpur but have failed to reciprocate that result so far, with one draw and two losses following. The Marina Machans are currently eighth on the table and they know that their position is far from ideal. Their last match saw them squander a 1-0 lead to eventually lose 2-1 against table-toppers Mumbai City FC. Chennaiyin would definitely like to end their winless streak as soon as possible but that could turn out to be quite difficult against their opponents on Sunday, considering how hard it has been to beat the Highlanders this season.

Team News

Gerard Nus will mostly have a fully fit squad to choose from against Chennaiyin. All eyes however will be on Uruguayan midfielder Federico Gallego and if he is fit enough to be back in the squad. The midfield maestro hasn’t featured for the Highlanders since their second game of the season against Kerala Blasters. The Highlanders’ head coach has made it clear that he wouldn’t bring back Gallego until it is sure that he is 100% fit.

Chennaiyin head coach Csaba Laszlo has a few injury concerns on his hands. Midfielder Anirudh Thapa is still doubtful, while defender Enes Sipovic is out for another week. Moreover, star attacker Isma is confirmed out for the next two weeks.

Head-to-Head

NorthEast United and Chennaiyin FC have faced each other 12 times before and the Highlanders have emerged victorious six times while the Marina Machans have won only thrice. The other three matches ended in a draw.

Last season, the two teams faced each other twice and Chennaiyin emerged 2-0 winners in their backyard with goals from Rafael Crivellaro and Nerijus Valskis. The second match in Guwahati ended in a 2-2 draw.

Probable Lineups 

NorthEast United: Gurmeet (GK), Ashutosh, Gurjinder, Lambot, Fox; Lalengmawia, Camara, Rochharzela, Machado, Rempuia; Appiah

Chennaiyin FC: Kaith (GK), Reagan, Sabia, Memo, Jerry; Germanpreet, Tangri, Fatkhullo, Crivellaro, Changte; Sylvestr

Man to Watch

Benjamin Lambot (NorthEast United)

NorthEast United’s bright start this season has been mostly due to their solid defensive performance. And credit for this solid defensive performances can be given to Benjamin Lambot who has been a rock in the Highlanders’ defence so far. The Belgian has made sure that his side are disciplined at the back and thus, no team can penetrate their defence, which leads to NorthEast United hitting their opponents in the counter attack. More of the same would be needed from the centre-back on Sunday, if NorthEast United are to get their desired result.

ALSO READ: Antonio Habas: Javi Hernandez could’ve changed the game to our side

Lallianzuala Chhangte (Chennaiyin FC)

Although, it hasn’t been the best of starts for the team from Tamil Nadu, one of the highlights for them this season has been the performance of young Indian winger Lallianzuala Chhangte. Chhangte has been one of the top Indian performers of the league and can prove quite dangerous for the Highlanders. NorthEast United have looked solid so far but their one inconvenience has been the right-back position. Chhangte would definitely want to exploit this situation and get behind the NorthEast defence, something very few have managed to do so far.

Did You Know?

• NorthEast United scored their 100th Indian Super League goal in their match against SC East Bengal earlier this season.
• Only two players have scored a hat-trick while playing for NorthEast United and both of them came against Chennaiyin FC.
• This is NorthEast United’s best start to a Indian Super League season after being unbeaten after five games.

Telecast

The match between NorthEast United FC and Chennaiyin FC is set to be telecast live on Star Sports 1 SD and HD, Star Sports 2 SD and 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.