NorthEast United FC will host Delhi Dynamos FC in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Wednesday. The Highlanders have just a point to show from their last four encounters and come into this tie on the back of two defeats in their two previous ties. Playing at home against a struggling outfit, they would fancy their chances of picking up three points.

The Lions, meanwhile, are winless in their last three encounters, but showed good spirit to hold Chennaiyin FC to a draw in their last fixture. They have won just twice this season so far and would aim to finish their campaign on a strong note with a fine show in their remaining few fixtures.

HEAD TO HEAD

NorthEast United FC 2 – 2 Delhi Dynamos FC (3 draws)

KEY PLAYERS

Marcinho (NorthEast United FC)

The Brazilian has been the main initiator of attacks for the Highlanders this season. His pace coupled with clinical finishing has taken to task many a defence in the league. He has a good eye for picking incisive passes and has four goals and an assist to his name. He will look to inspire his team to a win against the Dynamos.

Kalu Uche (Delhi Dynamos FC)
The Nigerian, when in form, has used his pace and strength to good effect to tear apart the opposition defence. An effective goal-poacher, Uche has the knack of being in the right place at the right time and has played a key role in Delhi’s attacking forays. With six goals and an assist to his name, he will want to be at his best against NorthEast United FC.

POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUPS

NorthEast United FC

Avram Grant will probably field a 4-2-3-1 formation as well in search of balance in attack and defence.

Goalkeeper: TP Rehenesh

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

Midfielders: John Mosquera, Rowllin Borges, Seiminlen Doungel, Marcinho, Halicharan Narzary

Forward: Danilo Lopes 

Highlanders assistant head coach Eelco Schattorie on his team’s mentality before the match: I see a very motivated team. The players are very positive. Everybody is really trying. Of course, when you are not fighting for anything, it is always difficult. But with this group, what I see in training, everybody is there to learn. So, I have zero worries about them.

Delhi Dynamos FC

Miguel Portugal may stick to his 4-2-3-1 formation, as Delhi look to be more clinical in the final third.

Goalkeeper: Sukhdev Patil

Defenders: Sena Ralte, Pratik Chowdhary, Gabriel Cichero, Munmun Lugun

Midfielders: Matias Mirabaje, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manuel Arana, Paulinho Dias, Vinit Rai

Forward: Kalu Uche 

Lions head coach Miguel Portugal on his team’s objectives prior to the game: The motivation is to leave the last position. For NorthEast, the situation is the same. We want the win. The players who play tomorrow will play well.” 

KEY STAT

• Both teams have lost nine and drawn two matches this season.

PREVIOUS ENCOUNTER

Delhi Dynamos FC 0 – 2 NorthEast United FC (12^th February 2017 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi).

FORM GUIDE (Last five matches)

NorthEast United FC: L L D L W

Delhi Dynamos FC: D L L W L