Struggling NorthEast United FC welcome Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 top four favourites Chennaiyin FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Friday. The Highlanders have endured a torrid campaign so far and currently lie second from bottom in the league standings. After parting ways with Joao de Deus halfway through the season, NorthEast turned to former Chelsea manager Avram Grant under whom, they’ve won and lost a game each, so far. They come up against an in-form Chennai outfit, who are one of the contenders to finish the league stage at the summit of the table. The southerners head into the contest on the back of 1-0 win over FC Pune City and will be looking to extend their five-match unbeaten streak during which they’ve notched up three wins. Friday’s encounter thus, promises to be an end-to-end contest with NorthEast in desperate need of a victory in front of their home fans.

HEAD TO HEAD

NorthEast United FC 3-2 Chennaiyin FC (2 draws)

KEY PLAYERS

Marcinho

Brazilian Marcinho has been NorthEast’s midfield talisman this year, having put on numerous outstanding displays for the Highlanders in what’s been a disappointing campaign. A strong runner with the ball as well as a physical presence on the pitch, Marcelinho has been involved in most of NorthEast’s attacks and has scored two goals, while also providing an assist. He will need to have a good game against the 2015 champions if NorthEast are looking for a positive outcome.

Jeje Lalpekhlua

Mizo Sniper Jeje Lalpekhlua is arguably in the middle of his best Hero ISL campaign yet, having found the back of the net on six occasions this season. The Indian international has been in fine form after a slow start to the campaign and has been a constant menace to opposition backlines. The 27-year-old will have to be kept quiet if the Highlanders are to secure a much need three points at home.

POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUPS

NorthEast United FC

The Highlanders may use the 4-2-3-1 formation, hoping to utilize their midfield and flanks to good effect.

Goalkeeper: TP Rehenesh

Defenders: Nirmal Chettri, Jose Goncalves, Sambinha, Reagan Singh

Midfielders: Martin Diaz, Rowllin Borges, Malemngamba Meitei, Marcinho, Halicharan Narzary

Forward: Danilo Lopes

The host’s assistant coach Eelco Schattorie on the mindset of the team: “The overall atmosphere is fine. It’s pretty good. From the first day I have arrived till now, the most important thing I have seen is that the players have the intention to do the job. They are motivated to do something together, which is very positive.”

Chennaiyin FC

John Gregory will most probably also go for the 4-2-3-1 formation, which gives them options in midfield to provide good service for Jeje.

Goalkeeper: Karanjit Singh

Defenders: Inigo Calderon, Mailson Alves, Henrique Sereno, Jerry Lalrinzuala

Midfielders: Dhanpal Ganesh, Bikramjit Singh, Gregory Nelson, Rene Mihelic, Thoi Singh

Forward: Jeje Lalpekhlua

The visitor’s assistant coach Syed Sabir Pasha on their opponents of the night: “Every team is important, every game is important. We can’t take any team lightly. Every team is good, every team has some important players. So, tomorrow’s match is also very important for us. We are coming away from home and playing in different conditions, so it is always difficult. I think, it’s very important to take these three points and we are focused on it.”

KEY STAT

• Three of Jeje’s six goals in Hero ISL 2017-18 have come in Chennaiyin’s last three outings

PREVIOUS ENCOUNTER

Chennaiyin FC 3-0 NorthEast United FC (23^rd November 2017 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai)

FORM GUIDE (Last five matches)

NorthEast United FC: L W L L L

Chennaiyin FC: W D W D W