NorthEast host Pune in must win ISL clash

The Highlanders are winless in six matches…

“Do or Die” are the only words that will be in the minds of NorthEast United FC players when they host FC Pune City in a ‘must win’ battle on Tuesday at Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati. The Highlanders have failed to win in six consecutive games, placing them just above FC Goa with both teams on 11 points. On the other hand FC Pune City are in a good run of form after beating Delhi Dynamos in a high scoring match last week. A win here against the hosts will put them right in the mix for the playoffs. Team News The hosts have to contend with yet more injuries with head coach Nelo Vingada confirming that the defensive trio of Robin Gurung, Gustavo Lazzaretti and Nirmal Chettri are set to miss the crucial clash. The visitors have no injuries or suspensions from their last outing and have a full fit squad to pick from. Head to Head It’s 2-2 in terms of wins between both the teams with one game being a draw. However, in this particular season, the Highlanders had the last laugh in the first encounter between the two teams with Nelo Vingada’s men winning 0-1 in Pune. Man to Watch Nicolas Velez-NorthEast United FC: Nicolas Velez is a household name in the NorthEast having played two straight seasons for the Highlanders. With six goals so far he remains a prized asset for Nelo Vingada’s side. He scored his first goal of the season against ATK and with his assists as well as near perfect cross from the left flank he remains a key cog in the team’s wheel. Eugeneson Lyngdoh-FC Pune City: After missing the first part of the season due to his assignments for parent club Bengaluru FC, Lyngdoh has added a new dimension to the Stallions midfield. Hailing from Meghalaya and playing for the first time against his former teammate Didier Zokora from last season, it will be interesting to watch, how Eugeneson shows his class on the pitch against the Highlanders on Tuesday. Probable Line-ups NorthEast United (4-2-3-1):Subrata(GK), Reagan Singh, Zokora, Alves, Salam Ranjan Singh, Romaric ,Borges, Narzary, Velez, Aneff, Alaro. FC Pune City (4-1-3-2): Edel (GK), Bheke, Ferreira, Gouramangi, Das, Sissoko, Lyngdoh, Pradhan, Tato, Traore, Zurdo. Broadcast: The match will be telecast live on Star Sports 2, Start Sports HD 2, Star Sports 1, Start Sports HD1, Star Gold, Star Gold HD, Jalsha Movies, Jalsha Movies HD and HOTSTAR. You can also follow khelnow’s live text commentary of the game on khelnow.com Photo © ISL Media