Atlético de Kolkata host a faltering NorthEast United FC side at the Rabindra Sarobar Stadium in the 2016 Hero Indian Super League on Thursday. ATK let slip a win against 10-man Delhi Dynamos FC in their last match despite taking the lead twice. They will now look to sort out their defence and pick up maximum points to solidify their claim for a semis berth. As for NorthEast, they made a splendid start to the season with back-to-back victories but later lost their way. They are winless in their last five matches, including four successive defeats. In their last match, they dominated 10-man FC Goa for the most part but ended up losing 2-1 in the dying minutes. The Highlanders, however, will be boosted by the return Emiliano Alfaro, their top-scorer with five goals this season. The Uruguayan served a one-match suspension due to yellow card accumulation. Both sides will be desperate for a win on Thursday in what will be the second east Indian derby of the season.Head-to-Head: Hero ISL 2014 saw Kolkata get the better of NorthEast on both occasions, winning 2-0 away and 1-0 at home. NorthEast managed to do the double over Kolkata last season winning by the sole goal both home and away. ATK came from behind to win 2-1 the last time these two teams met earlier this season in Guwahati.Form Guide (last five games):Atlético de Kolkata: W-L-W-L-DNorthEast United FC: D-L-L-L-LIain Hume vs Mailson AlvesIain Hume is always in the thick of things for Kolkata when it comes to attacks. The Canadian forward brings dynamism in the final-third for ATK. He has already netted four times with his first goal from open playing coming in ATK’s 2-2 draw against Delhi in their last match. Hume will have a huge role to play against NorthEast on Thursday as he looks to continue contributing assists and goals.Hero ISL 2015 winner with Chennaiyin FC, Mailson Alves will need to mark Hume tightly as the Highlanders look to subdue one of ATK’s most potent threats. The Brazilian has tons of experience and can read the game well, making him a reliable presence in defence. He will have his hands full on Thursday with the likes of Hume, Helder Postiga and Javi Lara in the opposition ranks.Javi Lara vs Didier ZokoraJavi Lara has been a massive influence in midfield for Kolkata this year. He is not just capable of scoring goals, but can also provide key passes and is deft at set-pieces. Lara is deadly from distance with his three goals this year all coming from outside the box. The Highlanders must also avoid giving away free-kicks in dangerous areas with him on the pitch.Another player not short on experience is Ivory Coast’s Didier Zokora, who holds the record for the most appearances for his country. The defensive midfielder is instrumental in breaking down the opponents’ moves and carrying forward attacks and counter-attacks. He has a strong presence in midfield but will have to be on his toes while dealing with the likes of Lara.Arnab Mondal vs Emiliano AlfaroArnab Mondal has been a defensive pillar for Kolkata since the first season. He wins most aerial duels, makes some important tackles and reads the ball well enough to make smart interceptions. However, with forwards like Alfaro in the opposition ranks, he will have to be on watch constantly to ensure the hosts don’t concede.Emiliano Alfaro has been the star in NorthEast’s campaign so far and when he is on song, he can be a nightmare for any defender. With his quick feet and darting runs, he can create innumerable opportunities for his side. Most importantly, he has scored five goals and looks capable of adding plenty more. He needs to be at his best if the Highlanders are to put their campaign back on track.Squads:Atlético de Kolkata: Debjit Majumder, Dani Mallo, Shilton Paul, Arnab Mondal, Henrique Fonseca Sereno, Jose Arroyo, Keegan Pereira, Kingshuk Debnath, Prabir Das, Pritam Kotal, Robert Lalthamuana, Abinash Ruidas, Bidyananda Singh, Bikash Jairu, Bikramjit Singh, Borja Fernandez, Javi Lara, Jewel Raja, Lalrindika Ralte, Ofentse Nato, Sameehg Doutie, Stephen Pearson, Helder Postiga, Ian Hume, Juan BelencosoNorthEast United FC: TP Rehenesh, Subrata Paul, Wellington Gomes, Gustavo Lazzaretti, Mailson Alves, Nirmal Chettri, Reagan Singh, Robin Gurung, Salam Ranjan Singh, Shouvik Ghosh, Didier Zokora, Fanai Lalrempuia, Holicharan Narzary, Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Katsumi Yusa, Koffi Christian N’dri, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Rowllin Borges, Seityasen Singh, Wellington Priori, Emiliano Alfaro, Nico Velez, Robert Cullen, Sasha Aneff, Sumeet Passi
