ISL 2018-19: NorthEast United vs Chennaiyin FC | Match Preview, Predictions, Live Streaming & Where to watch details
The second game of ISL after the winter break takes place at Guwahati with the Highlanders aiming to rewrite history, taking on a Chennaiyin FC, trying to recoup the good old days.
Follow us all NorthEast United vs Chennaiyin FC updates and ISL Live Scores.
While a win is needful for NorthEast United FC's smooth road ahead, the current champions need to prove the quality of their new tactics.
NorthEast United has had a dream run for a major share of time this season. After a positive start, the team under Eelco Schattorie lost momentum in between and has finished the proceedings with a 5-1 defeat to FC Goa in December.
NorthEast United FC hasn't won in the last four games, which has pushed them down to the fourth position.
But still, the Highlanders are high on expectations of their first ISL playoffs, which would come easily if the minor faults in the plans get fixed.
Chennaiyin FC has gone through a drastic fall after their victory again Bengaluru FC in the final of the previous season.
Since then, the Marina Machans has won only a single competitive match, against Pune City in November. Their ISL campaign so far and the Super Cup match last March were all bitter experiences.
However, some hard work during the winter break will have some positive impact on the team when play resumes. At present, Chennaiyin FC is at the bottom of the ISL points table with five points from 12 matches.
ALSO SEE: ISL Schedule | ISL Results | ISL Points Table
NorthEast United FC vs Chennaiyin FC: Match Information
Date: 26 January 2019
Kickoff: 7:30 PM IST
Live Stream: Star Sports Network and Hotstar
Live commentary: NorthEast United vs Chennaiyin FC Live Score | Commentary and Updates
Venue: Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati
NorthEast United FC vs Chennaiyin FC: Team News
NorthEast United FC
NorthEast United has bolstered their defence line with the signing of left-back Shouvik Ghosh. The 26-year-old will be having his second stint with NorthEast for the remainder of the season, with the previous one in 2016.
Greek midfielder Panagiotis Triadis too has been signed by Schattorie, releasing Augustine Okrah from the squad.
Chennaiyin FC
Chennaiyin FC has successfully roped in two potential attackers - CK Vineeth and Halicharan Narzary from Kerala Blasters, on a loan deal. Much of John Gregory's attacking plans are now expected to centre Vineeth, having huge responsibilities at the new club.
NorthEast United vs Chennaiyin FC: Probable Lineups
NorthEast United FC (4-4-2): Pawan Kumar, Reagan Singh, Mato Grgic, Mislav Komorski, Robert Lalthlamuana, Redeem Tlang, Rowllin Borges, Nikhil Kadam, Federico Gallego, Juan Mascia, Bartholomew Ogbeche
Chennaiyin FC (4-2-2-2): Karanjit Singh, Inigo Calderon, Mailson Alves, Eli Sabia, Tondonba Singh, Anirudh Thapa, Germanpreet Singh, Gregory Nelson, Raphael Augusto, CK Vineeth, Jeje Lalpekhlua
NorthEast United FC vs Chennaiyin FC: Form Guide
NorthEast United: L-D-D-D-W
Chennaiyin FC: L-L-L-D-L
NorthEast United FC vs Chennaiyin FC: Head-to-Head
NorthEast United: 5
Chennaiyin FC: 2
Draw: 2
NorthEast United vs Chennaiyin FC: Key Players
NorthEast United FC
NorthEast United has been solely relying on Bartholomew Ogbeche for goals from the beginning of the season.
The French striker has scored nine goals and made one assist so far this season. With a goal conversion rate of 18%, Ogbeche does have the power to destroy the Chennaiyin defence.
Chennaiyin FC
The woes at the finishing third has been haunting John Gregory for some time now. Kerala striker CK Vineeth has been brought in to address this issue and will play a pivotal role in the game against NorthEast United. It will be interesting to see how the 30-year old adapts to the new challenge in the new team.
NorthEast United FC vs Chennaiyin FC: Predictions
Chennaiyin FC has been going through one of their worst ISL times ever. Overcoming a rather confident NorthEast United would be a kind of hurdle for the South Indian team but can be made possible with proper teamwork. However, as of now, a confident and determined to go forward NorthEast United looks the favourites before the game begins.
Predicted Score - NorthEast United FC 2-0 Chennaiyin FC