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NorthEast United FC host league toppers Chennaiyin FC at Guwahati tonight in a match that promises to be a mouth-watering clash. Both teams will be desperate to win the tie to strengthen their positions to ensure a semi-final berth. The home team has no other option but to secure all three points from this encounter and move up the table. Chennaiyin, on the other hand, are comfortably placed at the top of the table with 19 points and will look forward to earn at least a point and consolidate their top position.
Venue and Kickoff
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: 27 November 2014 – 7:00 PM IST
Possible starting line ups
North East United FC (4-1-3-2): Rehenesh TP; Robin Gurung, Aiborlal Khongjee, Miguel Garcia Joan Capdevila, kondwani Mtonga, Sergio Pardo, Isaac Chansa, Zodingliana Ralte, Seminlen Doungel, James Keene
Ricki Herbert’s side played well in their last game against Delhi irrespective of their 1-2 defeat. The team performed well but lacked finishing. Herbert may field English striker James Keene alongside Seminlen Doungel to strengthen his team’s strike force. Their defence looked compact throughout and they do not need to make many changes in that department.
NorthEast United has no other option but to win this encounter to have a chance of qualifying for the semi finals. Herbert is known to change strategy as the match progresses. He may later use 3 strikers by fielding Colombian striker Luis Padilla is the later stages.
Chennaiyin FC (4-3-1-2): Gennaro Bracigliano, Harmanjyot Khabra, Mikel Silvestre, Bernard Mendy, Dhanachandra Singh, Bojan Djordic, Eric Djemba Djemba, Denson Devadas, Bruno Pelissari, Jeje lalpekhlua, Balwant Singh
Chennaiyin FC are likely to stick to their same starting line-up which played in their previous game against Mumbai City FC. Their marquee signing Elano Blumer and energetic striker John Stiven Mendoza are already out of action owing to injuries. But their absence could not prevent Chennaiyin from performing well in their last game.
They are undoubtedly the most balanced side in the league and have a very strong reserve bench. Another Brazilian midfielder Bruno Pelissari has been instrumental in place of Elano. His creativity and work rate has easily compensated for Elano’s absence.
Key Battles
Koke vs Mikel Silvestre
Koke is the most influential player in NorthEast United’s colours. He is the most dangerous player up front and can single handedly change the team’s fortunes. Chennaiyin’s defence looks compact with Bernard Mendy and Mikel Silvestre’s presence. The ex-French international Silvestre will be in charge of marking Koke from exerting his influence on the game.
?Bruno Pelissari vs Joan Capdevila
In the absence of Elano, Brazilian Bruno Pelissari has been flawless for the Chennaiyin FC outfit. Pelissari is extremely creative and hard working on the ground. He creates chances, scores goals and even plays deep to help the defence. Pelissari is the major threat for the home team and Joan Capdevila will be Herbert’s trump card in defence to mark the Brazilian.
Prediction
North East United FC 0-2 Chennaiyin FC
