The second half of Hero ISL 2018-19 continues with NorthEast United FC playing host to Chennaiyin FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Saturday. The Highlanders had a largely successful first half and will be looking to cement their chances of qualifying for the play-offs. In contrast, defending champions Chennaiyin FC have suffered a woeful 2018-19, having picked just one victory in 12 encounters. The reverse fixtures earlier in the season proved to be one of the most thrilling as NorthEast came back from two goals down to emerge 4-3 winners.

NORTHEAST UNITED FC

After a month-long break, NorthEast come into this encounter with their eyes firmly set on a win. Despite starting strong, the Highlanders have failed to win any of their past four matches and are in danger of losing their play-off spot to the likes of Jamshedpur and ATK. Their recent form in front of goal has been another cause for concern as Eelco Schattorie’s men have just scored two goals in their last four matches. The goals from top scorer Bartholomew Ogbeche have dried up a bit. After taking the league by storm with a stunning hat-trick against Chennaiyin earlier in the campaign, the NorthEast captain suffered a lull in December. With his goals contributing to more than half of NorthEast’s overall tally, Schattroie will hope for inspiration from other members of his team more often this year.

However, given Chennaiyin’s dismal record this season, NorthEast will be confident of securing all three points on Saturday. They will also take confidence from their superior head-to-head record against the defending champions. Schattroie isn’t expected to make too many changes to his squad with the likes of Mato Grgic, Rowllin Borges, Federico Gallego and Ogbeche forming the team’s core.

Here are NorthEast United’s stats from the season so far:

CHENNAIYIN FC

Given their poor showing in the first half, Chenniiayin have all but conceded hopes of making it to the knock-out phases. The defending champions have looked a shadow of their former selves, having just won one match and occupying the bottom position. However, they will want to save themselves some pride and end the season on a high with maximum points. Chennaiyin will also be seeking revenge on their counterparts after their heart-breaking loss earlier in the season.

The team from Tamil Nadu will be bolstered by the addition of former Kerala Blasters duo CK Vineeth and Halicharan Narzary. Vineeth has been one of the league’s finest goal scorers and does have the ability to cause problems for the NorthEast defence. However, Chennaiyin’s own defensive deficiencies will be giving John Gregory all sorts of headaches. To make matters worse, club captain Mailson Alves is currently serving as a suspension and will not feature. Given NorthEast United’s plethora of attacking talent, a solid performance will be needed if Chennaiyin hope to take anything away from this tie.

Here are Chennaiyin’s stats from the season so far:

PROBABLE LINE-UPS:

NORTHEAST UNITED FC: Pawan Kumar (GK), Reagan Singh, Mato Grgic, Gurwinder Singh, Robert Lalthlamuana, Redeem Tlang, Rowllin Borges, Jose Leudo, Federico Gallego, Juan Mascia, Bartholomew Ogbeche (C)

CHENNAIYIN FC: Karanjit Singh (GK), Inigo Calderon (C), Eli Sabia, Laldinliana Renthlei, Todonba Singh, Germanpreet Singh, Francisco Fernandes, Raphael Augusto, Anirudh Thapa, Gregory Nelson, Jeje Lalpekhlua

DID YOU KNOW?

• Chennaiyin have conceded the highest number of goals so far (24). They conceded just 19 goals last season in the league stage.
• NorthEast won just 3 matches last season. They have already won 5 matches.
• Chennaiyin has scored just one goal from outside the box (least in the league).

FANSPEAK

Which manger will win the tactical battle?

• Eelco Schattorie
• John Gregory

Have your say in the comments section below.

Catch the match live on the Star Sports Network, Hotstar and Jio TV at 7.30 PM.