Preview: NorthEast United take on spirited Mumbai City in weekend thriller

The Islanders are a transformed outfit following their acquisition by the City Football Group.

After a long wait, the much anticipated Indian Super League is back for its seventh season. This campaign would have been the grandest of them all after the inclusion of the country’s two biggest clubs in SC East Bengal and ATK Mohun Bagan. The second match of the term will see NorthEast United taking on Mumbai City FC.

In Mumbai City, NorthEast face one of the title contenders this season. After the takeover by the City football Group, Mumbai on paper, look like a force to be reckoned with. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the various aspects of the two teams, as they prepare to face-off on November 21.

The Stakes

NorthEast United

https://youtu.be/RUnqsldXcVI

NorthEast United have been the clear under-performers in the Indian Super League, having qualified only once for the playoffs, while finishing twice at the bottom of the table. Last season was yet another disappointing campaign for the Highlanders, as they finished ninth, managing to win only two games.

However, the 2020-21 campaign could see things change for NEUFC, as they have made massive changes to the team, letting go of all the foreign players from last term, except Federico Gallego. Gerard Nus has been recruited as the new head coach, taking over from interim head coach Khalid Jamil, who has gone back to his position of assistant head coach and Head of Academy.

The new arrivals look promising, especially the Indian recruits, who come with a lot of experience. However, given the unpredictable nature of NorthEast United, only time will tell if this season turns out to be a hit or not.

Mumbai City FC

After their takeover by the City Football Group, Mumbai City's recruitment clearly show their intent for the 2020-21 season. Anything less than the title would be a disappointment for them.

The Islanders paid a record transfer fee to acquire the services of FC Goa talisman Hugo Boumous. Furthermore, they roped in a couple of stellar strikers in Adam le Fondre and Bartholomew Ogbeche. Former FC Goa head coach Sergio Lobera has also been brought in as the head coach.

Team News

NorthEast United had a scare ahead of the start of the season, as two of their players tested positive for COVID-19. However, in an official announcement made by the club it was stated that the rest of the players have been tested since and all of them have tested negative. It is safe to say that the rest of the players are all fit and will be up for selection.

ALSO READ: Sergio Lobera: My players believe in my style of play

Sergio Lobera will have a fully fit squad to pick from, as they will look to begin their season on a positive note.

Head-to-Head

NorthEast United and Mumbai City FC have faced each other twelve times, where the Highlanders have emerged victorious only thrice, while Mumbai City have enjoyed seven wins. The other two matches ended in a draw.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orMG4oH10es&t=4s

Last season saw the two teams face each other twice, where they played out a 2-2 draw in Guwahati. The second encounter between these two sides saw Mumbai secure a 1-0 victory at home with a goal from Diego Carlos.

Man To Watch

Federico Gallego (NorthEast United)

This will be the Uruguayan's third season with the Highlanders. Gallego has been a major part of NorthEast’s attack in the past two campaigns, especially in their first and only semi-final appearance in 2018-19. Gallego has scored five goals and assisted six times during his time with the Highlanders and his creativity in midfield will play a vital role for NorthEast United against Mumbai City.

ALSO READ: Gerard Nus: We expect a lot from Federico Gallego this season

Hugo Boumous (Mumbai City FC)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJWCx2A5408&t=7s

Boumous’ big-money switch to Mumbai will attract all the attention on him. Being the incumbent Golden Ball winner, the midfielder will be relied on to live up to his high standards. With 16 goals and 17 assists in 42 appearances in the Indian Super League, His stats speak for themselves.

Probable Lineups

NorthEast United (4-2-3-1)

Subhasish (GK); Ashutosh, Lambot, Nim, Rakesh; Camara, Lalengmawia;  Meetei, Gallego, Machado; Appiah.

Mumbai City FC (4-4-2)

Amrinder (GK); Rakip, Golui, Fall, Mandar; Jahouh, Raynier, Borges, Boumous ; Ogbeche, Le Fondre.

Did You Know?

• NorthEast United only managed to win two out of their 18 games last season.
• NorthEast United are the only team in ISL history to have finished at the bottom of the table more than once.
• Mumbai City FC was the eighth football club in the world to be taken over by the City Football Group.

Telecast

The match between NorthEast United FC and Mumbai City FC is set to be telecast live on Star Sports 1 SD & HD, Star Sports 2 SD & HD (English), Star Sports Hindi 1 SD & HD, Star Sports 3, Star Gold 2 (Hindi), Asianet Plus, Asianet Movies (Malayalam), and Star Sports regional channels (in Bangla, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu and Marathi). It will also be streamed live on Disney+ Hotstar VIP and Jio TV.

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