NorthEast United host Atletico de Kolkata in battle of the East

Both sides are looking to get back to winning ways after defeat in their last game...

NorthEast United FC will look to make it back to top spot in the Indian Super League table on Friday, when they host Atletico de Kolkata at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati. As the winning chariot of both the teams halted in their respective last games they played, it’s obvious that both the teams are desperate for a win. Team News Nicolas Velez and Romaric are both out of this one with injury and it will be interesting to see how the team shapes up in their absence. On the other hand, the bad news from the ATK camp is that its boss Jose Molina has been suspended with a one match touchline ban following his sending off against Mumbai City FC on Tuesday, which implies that ATK have to face the Highlanders without the services of the Spaniard on the touchline. In some better news marquee Helder Postiga is likely to return to action after a spell on the sidelines. Head to Head Kolkata have dominated all four previous encounters winning 3 of them and losing only one, thanks to the heroics of last year’s Highlander marquee Simao Sabrosa. Man to Watch Emiliano Alfaro-NorthEast United FC: The prolific Uruguayan has been one of the key players in the Highlanders’ team this season with his clinical finishing giving them the cutting edge in front of goal. He had a frustrating outing last time out failing to score against resolute Chennai. The striker will have to rediscover his scoring boots if his team are to triumph against battle-hardened Kolkata. Iain Hume-Atletico de Kolkata: With 18 goals against his name Hume is the top goalscorer in ISL history as well as the most consistent foreign player from Season 1. Playing for the Kolkata side for the second straight season Hume has been impressive so far. The Canadian was instrumental in getting Kerala Blasters to the Final of Season 1 with 5 goals. With two hat-tricks and 11 goals in total for ATK last season Hume will be looking to continue in the same vein in the current season. Moreover the name of Iain Hume is enough for ATK to have a psychological edge over any team in the ISL. Probable Line-ups NorthEast United: Subrata(GK),Reagan,Shouvik,Gustavo, Zokora, Priori, Borges, Narzary, Katsumi, Cullen, Alfaro. Atletico de Kolkata: Majumder, Kotal, Mondal, Tiri, Prabir, Borja, Lara, Doutie, Ruidas, Hume, Postiga. 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 Khel Now’s live text commentary of the game, with our ISL correspondent Himangshu Rajkhowa reporting from ground zero at IGA Stadium, Guwahati. Photo © ISL Media