The Highlanders will lock horns against their neighbours the Mariners in the second leg of the seventh edition of the Indian Top flight at the Fatorda Stadium.
Blast from the past:
The first leg between these sides ended in 1-1 as Northeast United came back from behind to level things going into the second leg.
ATK Mohun Bagan:
The Mariners will want to fix things after conceding a late equaliser against Northeast United just a couple of days back. They will want their backline to be on the top of their game in the second leg as a single mistake could turn out to be very expensive against Northeast United. They will also want their star studded attacking prowess to deliver when it will matter the most.
“The players and the staff know that this is an opportunity which may not come again in their life. We have to enjoy the semi-final and the final. Life continues after Saturday [after the final]. We have to keep our personality, our discipline and our tactical approach. We have to enjoy the semi-final and the final,” the Spanish head coach said at the pre-match press conference.
Northeast United FC:
Northeast United will be eyeing a first ever Hero ISL final appearance but standing in their way is the final hurdle in the form of ATK Mohun Bagan. The Highlanders will be hoping to get the better of the Kolkata Club in the second leg. Khalid Jamil’s side have scored the third highest number of goals this season (32) with 11 different goalscorers finding the back of the net, the highest in the league.
“They have their planning and we have ours. We have shown in our last 2 encounters with them that we can adapt our game to match theirs. Rest, we will give our best for the game tomorrow,” said Coach Khalid Jamil at the pre-match press conference.
Players to watch out for:
Manvir Singh (ATK Mohun Bagan)
The Indian international has played a crucial part for ATK Mohun Bagan on the wings. His pace, ability to cut in and shoot from his weak foot has definitely given the Mariners a pure assent. Manvir has scored 5 goals and has provided 3 assists for the Kolkata Club.
Luis Machado (Northeast United FC)
The Portuguese winger is the Highlanders’ highest goal scorer with 7 strikes to his name and he has also provided 2 assists. His partnership with Northeast United’s Uruguayan lynchpin Federico Gallego has brought the best out of him.
Probable Starting XI:
ATK Mohun Bagan (3-5-2): Arindam(GK), Bose, McHugh, Pritam, Prabir, Marcelo, Manvir, Javi, Williams, Krishna, Pronay.
Northeast United FC (4-3-3): Subhasish (GK), Gurjinder, Mashoor, Lambot, Ashutosh, Camara, Lalengmawia, Gallego, Suhair, Brown, Machado.