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Atletico de Kolkata, who are fifth in the Indian Super League standings, host bottom-placed NorthEast United at the Salt lake Stadium. After losing three games in a row, Atletico de Kolkata registered a massive 4-1 win over Mumbai City FC at the D.Y Patil Stadium, while NorthEast United earned a point against Delhi Dynamos in their last game.
The defending champions are hit with a number of injuries this season, but Antonio Habas confirmed marquee signing Helder Postiga will be available for the last four group stage games.
Kickoff and Live Telecast
Live Telecast: Star Sports 2 & 3, Star Sports HD2 & HD3
Live Streaming: starsports.com
Date and Time: Saturday, 7th November 2015 – 1900 IST
Venue: Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata
Team News
Atletico de Kolkata boss Antonio Habas confirmed midfielder Javi Lara is out injured for another 10 days while Japanese-born Indian footballer Arata Izumi is also likely to miss the game. Helder Postiga has not yet returned to India after his injury and remains unavailable for selection.
Arnab Mondal might get a chance in the starting XI again after missing the last game, and in that case, Ofentse Nato will move back into midfield. Rino Anto might also replace Nabi in the starting XI while Nadong Bhutia might start ahead of Jewel Raja.
NorthEast United FC have not won a single away game this season, and coach Cesar Farias might make a couple of changes to his starting XI. Simao Sabrosa, who came off the bench to score in their last game against Delhi Dynamos might start ahead of Kamara while Velez is likely to start ahead of Dadzie.
Probable line-ups
Atletico de Kolkata(4-2-3-1): Amrinder, Rino Anto, Arnab, Tiri, Augustin Fernandes, Nato, Borja, Gavilan, Bhutia, Doutie, Hume
North East United(4-2-3-1): Rehenesh, Khongjee, Lopez, Hengbart, Raju, Bikey, Herrero, Seityasen, Sanju, Simao, Velez
Key Battles
Iain Hume vs Cedric Hengbart
After failing to find the back of the net in the first six games of the season, Canadian striker Iain Hume answered his critics with a hat-trick against Mumbai City FC. The 32-year-old made life difficult for Mumbai City FC defenders with his direct running and high work rate, and NorthEast United defender Hengbart should be wary of him.
Hume will be hoping to keep the momentum going to help his side who have struggled recently. Cedric Hengbart, who has captained NorthEast United in the absence of Miguel Garcia, will have the added responsibility of keeping the pair of Iain Hume and Jamie Gavilan in check.
Nicolas Velez vs Tiri
Nicolas Velez has scored three goals so far for NorthEast United this season and the River Plate youth academy product has been one of the best performers for the Highlanders so far. Atletico Madrid youth academy product Tiri has so far impressed for Atletico de Kolkata in the absence of former Liverpool defender Josemi and will now be hoping to cement his place in the team. Velez can cause a few troubles for Tiri with his pace and skills, but it will be interesting to see who comes on the top.
Prediction
We expect Atletico de Kolkata to win at their home ground, despite their injury concerns. NorthEast United have not done enough in the tournament so far, and it’s difficult to see that changing anytime soon.
Atletico de Kolkata 1-0 NorthEast United
