NorthEast United Seek to continue fine start to season in string of home games

The Highlanders host Chennaiyin FC in the first of a triple header in Guwahati.

NorthEast United FC start as favorites for the home clash as they welcome Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati today, after almost two weeks on the road. The visitors also come into this one high on confidence having secured their first win of the season against FC Goa last time out. Team News After having two back to back wins, a defeat against Mumbai City FC and a draw against Delhi Dynamos, the Highlanders will surely look for a triumph to please their fans at home. With no fresh injuries the Highlanders are with their full strength squad. Nirmal Chettri returns after a one-game suspension for his sending off against Pune and the newest entry to the squad Robert Cullen, who was impressive in his short appearance in the last game against Dynamos is also vying for a start. On the other hand, Chennaiyin boss Marco Matterazzi also has a full squad to pick from except Baljit Sahini, who has picked up an injury. Team News After having two back to back wins, a defeat against Mumbai City FC and a draw against Delhi Dynamos, the Highlanders will surely look for a triumph to please their fans at home. With no fresh injuries the Highlanders are with their full strength squad. Nirmal Chettri returns after a one-game suspension for his sending off against Pune and the newest entry to the squad Robert Cullen, who was impressive in his short appearance in the last game against Dynamos is also vying for a start. On the other hand, Chennaiyin boss Marco Matterazzi also has a full squad to pick from except Baljit Sahini, who has picked up an injury. Head to Head On Thursday it will be a clash between two close friends in real life and enemies in reel, John Abraham and Abhishek Bachchan, it will also be a clash between two different styles of football. However, history shows that the Machans have never beaten the Highlanders in the two seasons of the ISL. In season one; they managed to draw a high scoring game with a 2-2 scoreline and in the home game in Guwahati, NEUFC thrashed them 3-0. Last season it was a complete whitewash. Chennaiyin could only manage a single goal while conceding 4 against the Highlanders in two games. Man to Watch Jeje Lalpekhlua-Chennaiyin FC: The forward was the highest Indian goalscorer with 6 goals during the last ISL. After becoming older by a year, wiser by a year and stronger by a year Jeje aka Mama is one of the key men for Chennaiyin FC, if they are to retain the title once again. Unlike his other Northeastern mates, Jeje is not known for his dribbling and pace but he is more of a sniffer always there at the right place at the right time. His killer attitude camouflaged behind his beautiful smile can create real trouble for Subrata Paul inside the box. Emiliano Alffaro-NorthEast United FC: The fairy tale rise of NEUFC so far in ISL 3 is down to one man Emiliano Alfaro. The Uruguayan has showed tremendous skill and an insatiable appetite for goals. The 28-year-old attacker, who is a traditional right winger is used by Nelo Vingada as the primary attacker upfront and has delivered remarkable performances. The frontman is set to play a key role for NEUFC not just tomorrow, but for the rest of the season. Probable Line-ups NorthEast United: Subrata(GK),Reagan,Shouvik,Gustavo,Zokora,Romaric,Borges,Narzary,Katsumi,Valez,Alfaro. Chennaiyin FC: Karanjit (GK), Wadoo, Eli Sabia, John Arne, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Manuele Blasi, Mulder, Augusto, Rane, Succi, Jeje. Broadcast: The match will be telecast live on Star Sports 2, Start Sports HD 2, Star Sorts 1, Start Sorts 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, with our ISL correspondent Himangshu Rajkhowa reporting from ground zero at IGA Stadium, Guwahati. [KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]Photo © ISL Media