It’s the Republic battle as Northeast United will be looking to capitalise on the momentum after their thumping win against Jamshedpur FC and the intentions will be no different for ATK MohunBagan when these two sides face off against each other at Tilak Maidan.
Blast from the past:
Earlier this months when these two sides came up against each other at the Fatorda, ATK MohunBagan sealed all the 3 points in a 2-0 victory.
Northeast United FC:
The Highlanders are high on confidence following their first victory of 2021 against Jamshedpur FC. Khalid Jamil has had bright start to life in his second stint as the interim head coach for the Guwahati based club. There’s no doubt that the Highlanders have shown massive improvement in all aspects of the game and will be looking to build up on their freshly found confidence and vigour to fight until the very end. With the ISL almost reaching it’s business end, it’s time for Northeast United to change the gear if they want a play-offs spot for themselves. The Highlanders will also be hungry to take revenge of their previous loss against the Mariners.
“Whatever it is or however they (ATK MohunBagan) play we need to dictate the play, we need to control the game and when we don’t have the ball we have to defend well. And When we have the ball we have to keep it well and if we get a correct chance to operate and attack, we will attack and if not we will be patient with the ball,” said coach Alison Kharsyntiew at the Pre-match press conference.
ATK Mohun Bagan:
The Mariners sit at the second spot and are 4 points clear ahead of the chasing pack. They are clear about what they want and they want to find themselves to be at the top of the table as they chase a high flying Mumbai City FC in a top of the table affair. They are the only possible side who can catch with Sergio Lobera’s Mumbai City FC and they better make sure they don’t leave any stones unturned if they want to represent India at the AFC Champions League. The Hero ISL debutants come into this tie following an injury time escape against Chennaiyin FC as David Williams got his name on the scoresheet. They have already defeated the Highlanders earlier this season will be looking to do the double over them.
“The team had a good performance during the 90 minutes in the last match. The idea will be the same. The players understand that in this match, we need another win. Also, we changed the system of play and maybe this system had an influence on the score. NorthEast have played very well in the Hero ISL this season. We have to respect them,” Habas said ahead of the match.
Players to watch out for:
Lalengmawia (Northeast United FC)
The Former U17 World cupper has already received applauds from the Indian footballing fraternity for his mature decision making in the middle of the park. He is also the youngest ever player to captian a Hero ISL outfit when he led his side against FC Goa. He has a huge influence in the Highlanders’ performance in the ongoing season.
Arindam Bhattacharjee (ATK Mohun Bagan)
The Indian shot stopper has been a key for ATK MohunBagan’s resilient defensive record. He has kept 8 clean sheet already and will be keen for his 9th against Northeast United. He ranks second in the golden glove race having made 37 saves in 12 matches so far.
Probable Starting XI:
Northeast United FC (4-3-3): Subhasish, Ashutosh, Lambot, Fox, Gurjinder, Camara, Lalengmawia, Gallego, Machado, Ninthoi, Suhair.
ATK Mohun Bagan (3-5-2): Arindam, Jhingan, Tiri, Sumit, McHugh, Sahil, Javi, Prabir, Jayesh, Williams, Krishna.