If there has been a pattern in the ISL games that have been played so far, it is the fact that the games have predominantly been low-scoring battles. The games have been feisty, filled with tackles flying everywhere, compact defenses and relied on incisive finishing up front. NorthEast United showed that they are in no mood to live with being called the underdog of the competition and proved their mettle in the previous game.
Against an experienced side like Kochi Blasters, NorthEast matched blow for blow and trumped Sachin Tendulkar’s side with a thumping strike from Spanish striker Koke. The deafening noise inside the stadium surely played a part in psyching the opposition out. Every touch from the players out the home side, irrespective of their stature, got loud cheers when the ball landed on their feet. The atmosphere is going to be no different this time around, although with the sizeable Bengal population Assam, allegiances may be divided.
Keeping the aforementioned close battles in mind, Atletico de Kolkata did things their own way in the ISL opener and with a certain doze of panache. Mumbai FC didn’t know what hit them as the red and whites finished runaway winners. Both teams looked balanced and settled and it is highly unlikely that either sides will go for changes in their line-ups.
Unlike the Spanish champions, Atletico are a team who like possession on the ball and we learnt that Northeast are a team that looks to leave the opposition dead with their quick-fire counterattacks. There is no outright favourite in this fixture but Atletico’s powerful midfield scores an edge over their opponents but the power of thousands of vocal cords can never be discounted in this game.
Team News:
Atletico de Kolkata (Probable): Subhashish Roy; Denzil Franco, Josemi, Arnab Mondal, Biswajit Saha; Borja Fernandez, Luis Garcia, Jofre Mateu, Ofentse Nato; Baljit Sahni; Fikru Lemessa
NorthEast United FC (Probable): Alexandros Tzorvas, Alexandros Tzorvas; Aibor Khongjee, Miguel Garcia, Robin Gurung, Johan Capdevilla, David Ngaihte, Felipe, Zohmingliana Ralte, James Keene, Durga Boro; Koke