V
NorthEast United FC
Vivekanada Yuvabharati Stadium, Kolkata
7th November, 2015 7PM IST
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Having managed a draw against Delhi Dynamos NorthEast United FC make a short trip to Kolkata to face the defending champions Atletico de Kolkata. Atletico de Kolkata will look to put a run going, after they taught an attacking master class to a side boasting of an impressive array of attacking talents, Mumbai City FC.
Atletico de Kolkata had a poor start to the season and will look to kick-start the second leg of the campaign with a win. Iain Hume had been impressive against Mumbai City FC, and Atletico de Kolkata will hope that he can continue in the same vein. While NorthEast United FC, who lie at the last spot in the league table, will look to avoid defeat as that would act as a deterrent to their ambitions of a spot in the semi-finals.
Team News and Tactical Brief
Atletico de Kolkata
A Hume inspired Atletico de Kolkata may have made little of Mumbai City, but they will need to start afresh if they are to contain the threat of Nico Velez and company. Habas, also has a task in hand, as he looks to keep the confidence in check and make sure that the squad doesna t take NorthEast United FC lightly.
Amrinder Singh is likely to continue beneath the posts, while the defence is likely to see a slight change with Arnab Mondal, who will be missing the next game due to international commitments, is expected to start alongside Tiri and would be flanked by Denzil Franco and Augustine Fernandes. The double pivot of Borja Fernandez and Ofentse Nato will marshal the midfield, while Jaime Gavilan will provide the creative spark in midfield. The two wingers are likely to be Sameehg Doutie and Baljit Singh. Iain Hume will continue to play as the lone forward for Atletico de Kolkata.
Atletico de Kolkata Porbable Starting XI (4-2-3-1): . Amrinder; Denzil, Arnab, Tiri, Augustine; Borja, Nato; Baljit, Gavilan, Doutie, Hume.
NorthEast United FC
NorthEast United FC come into the game on the back of a draw against Delhi Dynamos and will be confident of being able to nick away a result, having seen Delhi Dynamos managing a victory with a late goal despite going a man down. The Highlanders will have confidence imbibed in them, knowing that they have managed to defeat Atletico de Kolkata at the Indira Gandhi Stadium.
Cesar Farias has rotated his squad quite well to keep his thin squad fresh and could make a few changes in the match against Atletico de Kolkata. TP Rehenesh is likely to retain his place in goal, but the same cana t be said for Yumnam Raju in defence. Reagan Singh is likely to play in the left back position with Carlos Lopes and Cedric Hengbart forming and all foreign centre back partnership. Aibor Khongjee will be retaining his place as right back.
Farias has tinkered the most with his midfield and some changes are again expected with Sanju most likely to be dropped to the bench, while Siam Hangal is expected to return to the starting eleven. Andre Bikey, who has been ever present in the midfield for the Highlanders, is expected to play his role as a midfielder enforcer. Bruno Herrero is also expected to start in place of Diomansy Kamara. Nico Velez and Silas are likely to complete the six man foreign quota in the lineup. Seityasen Singh will be taking up the last vacant spot in the lineup.
NorthEast United FC Probable Starting XI (4-3-3): Rehensh; Aibor, Hengbart, Lopez, Reagan; Bikey, Siam, Herrero; Silas, Velez, Seityasen .
Prediction:
Atletico de Kolkata 2-1 NorthEast United FC
Atletico de Kolkata after finding their stride against Mumbai City FC, are likely to continue their winning run against NorthEast United FC, but will be facing a tough challenge from the Highlanders. The match will depend upon how quickly the duo of Jaime Gavilan and Sameehg Doutie can develop their partnership further.
Image Courtesy: ISL Media Team