NorthEast United FC will be eyeing their second successive win in Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 on Friday when they take on Bengaluru FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati. The Highlanders are currently in middle of the points table having managed a win, draw and loss from their first three games of the campaign. Their morale boosting 2-0 win against Delhi Dynamos FC last time around will keep them in a positive frame of mind heading into the contest against Bengaluru. The Blues, on the other hand, will be looking to bounce back after a 4-3 loss against FC Goa in their previous match. However, in spite of their loss against Goa, Bengaluru are still towards the top half of the points table thanks to back-to-back wins in their opening two matches of the season.

KEY PLAYERS

Marcinho (NorthEast United FC)

Marcinho has hit the ground running for the Highlanders in what is his debut season in the Hero Indian Super League. The talismanic Brazilian playmaker has been at the heart of most of NorthEast’s attacks and already has a goal to his name this season. He has also struck the woodwork quite frequently and is capable of cutting open Bengaluru’s defence with his intricate passing and intelligent movement.

Erik Paartalu (Bengaluru FC)

Erik Paartalu has fast become one of the most integral cogs in Bengaluru’s midfield. The Australian has already netted thrice this season and demonstrated his ability to also create goals in his side’s last outing against Goa. A massive threat from set-pieces, Paartalu will be hoping to dominate proceedings in the centre of the park against NorthEast and also make his presence felt in the final third.

POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUPS

NorthEast United FC

Highlanders head coach Joao de Deus will most probably start with his team using the attack-minded 4-3-3 formation.

Goalkeeper: TP Rehenesh

Defenders: Nirmal Chettri, Jose Goncalves, Sambinha, Robert Lalthlamuana

Midfielders: Lalrindika Ralte, Marcinho, Rowllin Borges

Forwards: Halicharan Narzary, Luis Alfonso Paez, Danilo Lopes

Deus on how his team is gearing up to counter Bengaluru’s set-piece mastery: “We know that they are strong; they have scored a lot of goals in defensive set pieces. We know that Paartalu has scored three goals from set pieces. They will probably try to make something new tomorrow. We have prepared our best for the set pieces.”

Bengaluru FC

Albert Roca is likely to stick to the 3-4-3 formation, which gives his side plenty of width and attacking impetus going forward.

Goalkeeper: Lathuammawia Ralte

Defenders: Juanan, John Johnson, Boithang Haokip

Midfielders: Lenny Rodrigues, Eduardo Garcia, Erik Paartalu, Rahul Bheke

Forwards: Miku, Sunil Chhetri, Udanta Singh

Bengaluru’s head coach on how he evaluates NorthEast’s chances: “We have to be ready for a hard game. We know that they have a good coach. I like the way they won in Delhi, they are a very organized team, very quick so it’s not easy. They have proof that they are ready for tomorrow and they will put us in trouble. It’s going to be difficult for us.”

KEY STAT:

• Bengaluru frontmen Sunil Chhetri and Semboi Haokip are the only two domestic players to have scored hat-tricks in the Hero ISL