ISL 2017/18, Match 51: NorthEast United FC vs Chennaiyin FC, Probable XI

NorthEast United lead in the head-to-head against Chennai (Image: ISL)

NorthEast United FC are all set to host the 2016 ISL champions Chennaiyin FC in their sixth home game of ISL 2017/18 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati. Chennaiyin FC are one of the few teams that NorthEast United are leading in the head-to-head battle. They have defeated Chennai three times in comparison to two wins for the Super Machans.

NorthEast United are struggling at the ninth place on the league table with just two wins in nine games, which is the joint fewest of the season along with Delhi. They have managed to find the back of the net just four times in the season so far, which is the lowest by any team in ISL 2017/18. It is also their lowest tally after the first nine games of any season.

On the other side, Chennaiyin FC dropped to second place after Bengaluru’s victory on Thursday and will look to claim the top spot back in the points table. They are on a five-game winless streak.

NorthEast United FC

The NorthEast United assistant coach accepted that there is positive change in the team’s surroundings internally after the arrival of former Chelsea manager Avram Grant. He believes that players are motivated to get favourable results and are hoping for a positive start after the halfway stage of the season.

After a defeat in the last game, we are expecting Seiminlen Doungel to replace Malemngamba Meitei in the starting XI tonight. The Israeli manager is expected to continue his favoured formation of 4-2-3-1 to keep a balance between attack and defence.

NorthEast United FC Probable Starting XI: Rehenesh, Nirmal, Jose, Sambinha, Reagan, Borges, Diaz, Doungel, Narzary, Marcinho, Lopes.

Chennaiyin FC

Chennaiyin FC are playing exceptionally well even after the absence of head coach John Gregory from the touchline. He believes John’s absence has worked as an added motivation for team as they all want to win games for him now. They are unbeaten in their last five games but they have not managed to win back-to-back games and would surely like to break the trend tonight.

With no major injury concerns in the side, we are expecting Raphael Augusto to replace Rene Mihelic in the starting XI from the last game. The assistant coach Shabir Pasha is most likely to field his side in a 4-2-3-1 formation to counter the strong NorthEast defence by controlling the ball in the mid-field area.

Chennaiyin FC Probable Starting XI: Karanjit, Calderon, Mailson, Sereno, Jerry, Dhanpal, Bikramjit, Thoi, Nelson, Augusto, Jeje.

Prediction

NorthEast United FC 1-3 Chennaiyin FC

Considering the attacking prowess of Chennaiyin FC, we are expecting them to take home all 3 points tonight and claim the top spot back on the Hero ISL 2017/18 league table.