FC Pune City
V
NorthEast United FC
3rd October 2015, 19:00 IST
*****
David Platta s FC Pune City, one of the favourites for the title, will look to build on after their impressive victory over Mumbai City FC in the Maha Derby.While NorthEast United FC and Cesar Farias were given a rude introduction to the second season of the Hero Indian Super League, as Kerala Blasters went on to win 3-1.
Team News and Tactical Brief:
FC Pune City
David Platt and FC Pune City have made a bright start to their Hero Indian Super League campaign and will be eager to capitalise on it against minnows NorthEast United. FC Pune started their match against Mumbai City in a 4-3-3 formation but reverted back to 4-4-2 during the half time break.
The defence that proved effective against Mumbai City FC with Lenny, Gourmangi, Colotto and Gurjinder is likely to be retained for the match against NorthEast.
FC Pune, still missing out on the services of national team stars like Eugeneson Lyngdoh and Jackichand Singh, hardly has any alternatives to swap people in midfield and hoping that the players are able to see through the match. Israil Gurung and Nicky Shorey are expected to play on either side of the midfield, while Didier Zokora and Manish Maithani would be asked to control the centre of the park.
Tuncay Sanli and Adrian Mutu would be the two forwards that are expected to play a vital role against NorthEast. Pune City will look to build on Israil and Sanlia s combination that won them the previous match
Probable Starting Lineup (4-4-2): Simonsen, Lenny, Gourmangi, Deigo Colotto, Gurjinder, Israil Gurung, Didier Zokora, Manish Maithani, Nicky Shorey , Adrian Mutu, Tuncay Sanli
NorthEast United FC
NorthEast United FC would look to put the defeat behind, as they hunt for their first victory in the second edition of the Hero Indian Super League. Cesar Farias had lined up his squad in a 4-4-2 formation, but makeshift fullback Seityasen Singh had a torrid day against Kerala Blastersa CK Vineeth.
Farias will be forced to tinker around with personnel, as he searches for his perfect combination. TP Rehenesh is expected to continue in goal, despite his near clanger outside the box
Miguel Garcia is a major doubt for the next match due to his injury. Bruno Herrero is expected to take Garciaa s place alongside Cedric Hengbart. Reagan Singh and Robin Gurung are expected to lineup as sidebacks.
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The NorthEast United would still be missing the services of their marquee player Simao due to injury. Boithang is likely to play in the wings along with Silas, while Kamara and Hanghal will be in the either tip of the diamond.
Velez and Dadzie are likely to complement each other in the forward line for NorthEast.
Probable Starting Lineup (4-4-2): Rehenesh, Robin, Bruno, Hengbart, Reegan, Silas, Hanghal, Kamara, Boithang, Velez, Dadzie
Predictions:
FC Pune City 3-1 NorthEast United
FC Pune Citya s title aspirations will show its promise, as they dismantle NorthEastUnited. TheHardTackle predicts a high goal scoring match between Pune City and. NorthEast United with NorthEast losing out.
