Agencies
Guwahati
With an aim to return to winning ways, NorthEast United FC take on Mumbai City FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in their Indian Super League Season 2 encounter on Friday.
The Highlanders look to move on from their 4-1 defeat against Kerala Blasters FC in their last match. With three points from the match, the hosts will see themselves back in the semi-final reckoning. Mumbai City FC, on the other hand, will also seek to put the memories of their 7-0 hiding at the hands of FC Goa behind them. Another defeat will dent their semis hopes real bad and it’s important Nicolas Anelka and his men win against a team they beat 5-1 earlier in the season.
Form Guide (Last 5 Matches)
NorthEast United FC: L-D-W-W-L
Mumbai City FC: W-L-D-D-L
Head-to-Head: Last season saw Mumbai lose their home game (0-2) and draw at Guwahati (1-1). This season, Mumbai ran away to a 5-1 win at home thanks to Sunil Chhetri’s hat-trick.
Robin Gurung v Frederic Piquionne
Robin should be high on confidence going into this match following his India call-up. The Sikkimese stopper’s contributions go beyond his nine tackles and 22 clearances. However, he will find a worthy match in ‘Fred P’. The Frenchman will surely direct all of his attacking and finishing skills towards recreating the DY Patil goal-fest earlier in the season.
Bruno Arias v Selim Benachour
One of NorthEast United’s most dependable men in the central midfield, Bruno Arias’ timely assist that helped Diomansy Kamara score against Chennaiyin FC is a testament to the Spaniard’s usefulness on the field. He will, however, be in direct confrontation with Benachour. With Mumbai City FC presently missing the services of key playmaker Sony Norde (away on national duty) and Brandon Fernandes (injured), Benachour becomes all the more important. The Tunisian is a multi-tasker and besides working the flanks can also score a goal or two.
Francis Dadzie v Darren O’Dea
One of Cesar Farias’ key troublemakers for the opponents, Dadzie will look forward to adding to his goal tally this season. The Ghanaian forward could be used as a pair of fresh legs to tire out the visitors. To stop him, O’Dea and his men on the defence will have to present a formidable front. Having earned eight caps this season, the Irish centre-back has been an indispensable force at the heart of the defence.
