ISL: NorthEast United vs Pune City – What we can expect – Preview and Prediction
After 4 away matches, NorthEast United FC are back in Guwahati to host FC Pune City. NorthEast United are at the 5th position in the league table securing 9 points from 7 games. FC Pune City on the other hand are comfortably placed in the third position.
A win today will take the away team to the top of the table, while NorthEast’s victory will move them above FC Pune City in the league table. Both the teams are playing good football and the fans can expect an exciting encounter tonight.
Venue & Kick-off
North East United FC, which is based out of Guwahati, Assam will use the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium as their home ground in the Indian Super League. The stadium is generally used for football matches and athletics events.
It is a one tier stadium with a capacity of 35,000 with a roof only over the main stand. There are only a limited number of seats in the main stand and the rest is just a standing area.
Kick-off: November 15, 2014: 7:00 pm – India (IST)
Possible starting Line-ups
NorthEast United FC (4-1-4-1): Rehenesh T.P; Robin Gurung, Aiborlal Khongjee, Miguel Garcia, Joan Capdevila; Kondwani Mtonga, Milan Singh, Koke, Seminlen Doungel, Felipe De Castro; James Keene
NorthEast United fought hard in their last game against Chennaiyin FC to earn a point. They came from behind twice to restore parity and played well in general and looked positive in their attacking forays.
Promising Indian striker Semilen Doungel score a brilliant goal last match. It is expected that Ricki Herbert will keep his starting XI unchanged. The Highlanders will look forward to bag all three points from this crucial home encounter. 3 points will take them to the top half of the league table.
FC Pune City (4-5-1): Arindam Bhattacharya; Pritam Kotal, Bruno Cirilio, Daniele Magliocchetti, D. Ravanan; Ivan Bolado, Davide Colomba, Lenny Rodrigues, Kostas Katsouranis, Israil Gurung; Dudu Omagbemi
Franco Colomba’s men have performed impressively in their last few games to move up the table. After their initial setback in the Indian Super League, the team has gelled well and their performances improved.
In all probability they will miss their marquee striker David Trezeguet and influential midfielder John Goossens due to injury concerns. But their Nigerian striker Dudu Omagbemi has enough potential to change the tide of a game single handedly.
Key Battles
Koke vs Bruno Cirilio
Koke or Sergio Pardo is the most important player in NorthEast United FC’s attack force. The Spaniard has scored 3 goals so far and has played an influential role in the team’s success so far. Pune’s experienced defender Bruno Cirilio will be in charge to stop the midfielder and check his dangerous runs.
Dudu Omagbemi vs Joan Capdevila
In the absence of Pune City’s marquee striker David Trezeguet, Dudu Omagbemi will be in charge of leading the team’s attack. Dudu has scored one goal so far and created several chances for his team mates. Dudu will be marked by Joan Capdevila and the Spaniard marquee will have to keep a check on the Nigerian.
Prediction
The teams look evenly matched on paper, and this could turn out to be a battle of attrition.
North East United FC 1-1 Pune City