FC Pune City seemed to have kickstarted their campaign with their win over FC Goa. However, they lost their next game to Kerala Blasters FC and now lie seventh in the Hero Indian Super League table with just four points. They host one of the in form sides of the tournament, NorthEast United FC, who have lost only once and are third in the standings with eight points. Pune are playing their third successive home game and will look to get back to winning ways against the Highlanders who have performed creditably away from home, with a win and draw in their last two games.David Trezeguet vs Miguel GarciaTrezeguet has scored in two straight games now, and will look to continue that run of form. The Pune City captain and marquee player’s goalscoring threat will be crucial to his side’s chances of victory. Tasked with stopping him will be opposite number Miguel Garcia. The NorthEast skipper has put in impressive displays in the centre of defence, helping his side to the joint best defensive record in terms of fewest goals conceded. The duel between him and Trezeguet will go a long way in determining who wins this game.Kostas Katsouranis vs KokeGreek star Kostas Katsouranis has been a mixed bag for Pune so far. He was outstanding in their win over Goa, scoring the opener and controlling the game in midfield, but then had a poor outing against Kerala. He will look to bounce back against NorthEast and will not only be responsible for generating Pune’s attacks from his deep-lying midfield berth but will also have to perform his defensive duties well and keep an eye on the dangerous Koke. Arguably, NorthEast’s player of the tournament so far, the Spaniard is the team’s leading goalscorer and provides a constant attacking threat for the Highlanders.Park Kwang-Il vs Do Dong-HyunIt will be a battle of Koreans on the wings as Pune fullback Park will face off against NorthEast winger Do. Park has performed well for Pune when called upon, ably supporting his defence and bombing forward in attack. Compatriot Do has been a livewire for NorthEast, with his tricks and mazy runs along with his boundless energy on the flanks. Both players will be looking to earn bragging rights when they come up against each other by trying to ensure that they finish on the winning side.Players to WatchFC Pune CityArindam Bhattacharya: Bhattacharya performed creditably when he came on as a substitute after first-choice keeper Emanuele Belardi went off with an injury in the last game. He made a few excellent saves, and was blameless for Kerala’s goal. With the Italian’s status still unclear, Bhattacharya may get an extended run and thus have an opportunity to show his quality.NorthEast United FCJames Keene: Though the English striker is yet to open his goalscoring account in the ISL, he has nevertheless been a key player for his side. The tireless Keene is full of running, keeping defenders on their toes throughout. He will be hoping to get that elusive first goal and fire his team to victory.Team Speak:Ricki Herbert (North East United FC head coach): “We’re still a work in progress. I’m pleased that everyone has been contributing and we’ve played decent football, but we have to continue to do better.”Franco Colomba (FC Pune City head coach): “The team feels the need to play a good game. We want to improve on the previous game, where we gifted the goals, by losing concentration. There is a lot of possibility to improve.”
