The Highlanders look for their first win of the season as they take on high-flying Chennaiyin in a home tie, Tuesday. Kamara has looked a threat for NorthEast all season; however, the robust attacker will be hoping for a better end product against Chennai. He along with Vélez, who has already scored for the Highlanders this year, are key components in an all-out attacking side that will definitely make for an interesting and entertaining encounter on Tuesday.
Francis Dadzie v Mailson Alves
Francis Dadzie got the fans in Guwahati excited when he scored the opener, albeit in a losing cause, for the Highlanders. The Ghanaian was one of the few positives in an otherwise disappointing result for NorthEast United. The forward boasts a shooting accuracy of 80% with four out of his five shots on target so far, making him one of the club’s likeliest sources for a goal. Mailson Alves has featured in three of Chennai’s four matches thus far and has proved to be vital for the Super Machans’ defence. An experienced campaigner, the Brazilian centre-back has the canny ability of being at the right place at the right time to sniff out danger. His tally of 21 clearances out the back at crucial junctures of the game is a testament to that as he comes up in a direct confrontation against the likes of Dadzie and Nicolás Vélez.
Silas v Elano
Silas’ vast footballing knowledge has added defensive security at the centre of the park for NEUFC. The Portuguese veteran offers his big match know-how to the team and acts as the perfect defensive screening to sit in front of his side’s backline. More than capable on the ball, the 39-year-old has been entrusted with set-piece duties and has also made an assist for the Highlanders this year.
Elano will be looking to exploit and stretch Silas when he comes up against him in a battle for midfield supremacy. The Brazilian playmaker has come into his own of late and has already accounted for three assists and two goals this season. Graceful on the ball, Elano’s threat from dead-balls offers his Super Machans an extra cutting edge as they aim at making three out of three.
Cedric Hengbart v Stiven Mendoza
Always calm and self-assured at the back, Cedric Hengbart has led from the front after losing captain and fellow centre-back Miguel Garcia in their season opener. The Frenchman has made more tackles than any other player for NorthEast this season (11), while also completing 21 clearances. Confident on the ball, the 35-year-old is comfortable playing out the back and has a passing accuracy of 85% this season. Stiven Mendoza is definitely the player of the league so far. The Colombian pocket-rocket has been in blistering form, scoring five goals in his last two outings for Chennaiyin FC. Interesting, his fine displays have corresponded with the change of fortunes for Chennai this year after a shaky start. How Hengbart and NorthEast United contain Mendoza will have a major implication on the eventual outcome of the game. Other individuals who could alter the course of the game for Chennai are Fikru and Bruno Pelissari. The Ethiopian’s power and pace will always cause problems for opposition defences, while Pelissari’s vision and creativity are capable of carving open defensive backlines seamlessly.
