NorthEast, Jamshedpur look to extend undefeated run

High flying NorthEast United FC will look to continue their unbeaten run in the Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2018-19 when they host Jamshedpur FC in their second home match of the season at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati.

The Highlanders are in a rich vein of form, having won two and drawn one of their opening three matches. Jamshedpur, too, are unbeaten in their three matches so far but have only managed to win one of them and had to settle for a point each in the other two. The two teams have met only twice in the Hero ISL so far, with Jamshedpur winning one and the other match ending in a goalless draw.

NorthEast United

After a forgettable campaign last season, NorthEast have firmly established themselves as the team to watch out for this season. Under new head coach Eelco Schattorie and a completely revamped squad, the Highlanders have raced to their best-ever start in the Hero ISL. Captain Bartholomew Ogbeche has hit the ground running and has already hit the back of the net four times in three matches, including a sensational hat-trick in the last match against Chennaiyin.

Rowllin Borges, too, has shone in Schattorie's new system and the midfielder has pitched in with two goals and an assist this season. Interestingly, the 26-year-old from Goa has never scored or provided a single assist in the 29 Hero ISL games he played prior to this season.

While the team has thrived going forward, things don't look so positive in the back. The Highlanders' defence has leaked five goals in the three matches, including three against Chennaiyin. The absence of first-choice goalkeeper TP Rehenesh, who is serving a suspension, will add to Schattorie's woes. Replacement goalkeeper Pawan Kumar let in three goals against Chennaiyin and NorthEast's backline looked shaky against the reigning champions. The Highlanders will look to address any issues at the back before going up against a very potent Jamshedpur attack featuring Tim Cahill, Jerry Mawhmingthanga and Sergio Cidoncha on Thursday.

Here’s a look at NorthEast’s season in numbers:

Jamshedpur FC

Jamshedpur FC started their campaign with a stunning away win against Mumbai City FC but drew the following two fixtures against Bengaluru FC and ATK respectively. In their last match against ATK, Cesar Ferrando's men took the lead but couldn't hold onto it. With Cahill still settling into the league, Jamshedpur have relied heavily on their Spanish contingent to come up with the goals. Four of Jamshedpur's five goals this season have come from Spaniards - Sergio Cidoncha (2), Mario Arques (1) and Pablo Morgada (1). Arques, in particular, has been impressive in the opening three matches, running the play from the deep and picking up teammates with defence-splitting passes at will. His late runs into the opposition box are also something NorthEast needs to be wary of. Ferrando will be hoping that Cahill finds his goalscoring touch in the match against NorthEast.

Like their opponents, Jamshedpur have their own issue in the back, having conceded three goals in as many matches. However, the return of ace goalkeeper Subrata Paul, after missing the first three matches due to suspension, will hand Ferrando a big boost. Subhasish Roy has done a decent job filling in for Subrata but conceded a soft goal from a Manuel Lanzarote corner against ATK. If Ferrando deems Subrata match fit, he might be tempted to bring his no. 1 straight into the starting line-up.

Here’s a look at Jamshedpur’s current season in numbers:

PROBABLE LINE-UPS:

NorthEast United FC: Pawan Kumar (GK), Mislav Komorski, Reagan Singh, Mato Grgic, Robert Lalthlamuana, Nikhil Kadam, Redeem Tlang, Rowllin Borges, Federico Gallego, Jose Leudo, Bartholomew Ogbeche (C)

Jamshedpur FC: Subrata Paul (GK), Tiri (C), Pratik Chowdhary, Yumnam Raju, Robin Gurung, Mario Arques, Memo, Jerry Mawhmingthanga, Michael Soosairaj, Sergio Cidoncha, Tim Cahill

DID YOU KNOW?

Ogbeche has scored 4 goals in 3 matches. Two more goals, and he will become the highest scoring player in a single season for NorthEast United FC.
If NorthEast win against Jamshedpur, it will give them 10 points from 4 matches, which would be their highest tally in Hero ISL history after playing first 4 matches.

FANSPEAK?

Which striker will leave his mark in the game?