A rejuvenated NorthEast United FC are set to host defending champions Atlético de Kolkata on Matchday 19 of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2015 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Friday. NorthEast will be hoping to kick on after registering their first win of Hero ISL 2015 against Chennaiyin FC on Tuesday. Atlético de Kolkata, meanwhile, will be looking to return to winning ways after suffering their first loss of the season against FC Pune City.NorthEast United FC so far: L-L-L-WAtlético de Kolkata so far: W-D-W-LHead-to-Head: Atlético lead 2-0 going into Friday’s match. Last year they won both away and home fixtures, winning 2-0 and 1-0 respectively.Andre Bikey vs Iain HumeIt is no surprise that NorthEast United FC’s first shut-out of the league coincided with the addition of Andre Bikey at the back. Drafted in earlier this week as a replacement for the injured Miguel Garcia, Bikey was a dominant force at the heart of the Highlanders’ defence. The Cameroonian brought some much-needed defensive solidity to a NorthEast backline which had conceded seven goals in their previous three encounters prior to his arrival.Iain Hume’s unmatched work-ethic is second to none. The Englishman has cemented his spot in Kolkata’s starting eleven and has spearheaded their attack in style this year. His three assists so far have always come in crucial junctures for Atlético this year. His contribution in defence cannot be ignored either. Hume has accounted for six tackles, six blocks and two clearances thus far.Simao Sabrosa vs Borja FernandezSimao Sabrosa’s return from injury acts as a massive boost to NorthEast. The Highlanders’ marquee player made an immediate impact after coming on as a substitute in a 16-minute cameo that saw him guide his side to their first win of the season. His calmly-taken penalty broke the deadlock as NorthEast ran away 2-0 victors against Chennaiyin FC. Head coach Cesar Farias will be hoping that it was just the start of things to come from their talismanic Portuguese.Borja Fernandez’s all-action style of play from midfield makes him pivotal to his side. The Spaniard’s direct confrontation with Simao can be expected to have a major say on proceedings as ATK head coach Antonio Lopez Habas will be hoping to nullify the former Portugal international’s threat in midfield. Fernandez has made more tackles than any other player from his team, making him the perfect defensive shield to sit in front of Atlético’s backline.Nicolas Velez vs Arnab MondalNicolas Velez has been an absolute livewire in attack for the Highlanders this year. Constantly involved in most of NorthEast’s attacks, the Argentine scored the decisive second to put the game to bed and hand his side their first points of Season 2 of the Hero ISL against Chennaiyin FC. More than capable on the wings, Velez has put in 11 crosses into the danger area this year. His ability to create chances for others makes him a key component to NorthEast’s attack.Arnab Mondal will expect to have his hands full with the likes of Velez, Diomansy Kamara and Francis Dadzie breathing down his neck. The Indian international will be hoping to maintain his form that has seen him make five blocks and an interception at key points. His passing accuracy of 82% also gives us an indication of his ball retention ability.It will be a crucial game for both sides with NorthEast United FC looking to further their winning momentum, while Atlético de Kolkata look for an immediate response after a disappointing defeat against FC Pune City. Both teams have plenty of game changers in the middle with the home side pinning their hopes on the likes of Silas, Kamara and Dadzie to carve open Kolkata’s defence. Atlético de Kolkata, on the other hand, have game-breakers of their own with individuals like Javi Lara and Jaime Gavilan desperate to make amends after their defeat against FC Pune City.Quotes:Any team winning two matches in succession will move up to the top four. It'll be a tough game for us and also for Kolkata. Their momentum is down after the match [after defeat against FC Pune City] and we're hopeful for a win: NorthEast United FC assistant coach Santosh KashyapI think we've a very difficult game tomorrow. We'll field our best 11 and give our best. The game is going to be very difficult: ATK coach Antonio Lopez HabasSquads:Atlético de Kolkata : Amrinder Singh, Juan Calatayud, Kunzang Bhutia (Lachungpa), Arnab Mondal, Denzil Franco, Nallappan Mohanraj, Syed Rahim Nabi, José Miguel González Rey (Josemi), José Luis Espinosa Arroyo (Tiri), Rino Anto, Lalchhawnkima, Augustin Fernandes, Sheikh Jewel Raja, Clifford Miranda, Borja Fernández, Ofentse Nato, Jaime Gavilan Martinez, Sameehg Doutie, Arata Izumi, Javier 'Javi' Lara Grande, Valmiro Lopes Rocha, Baljit Sahni, Nadong Bhutia, Hélder Postiga (marquee player), Sushil Kumar Singh, Iain HumeNorthEast United FC: Aiborlang Khongjee, Robin Gurung, Boithang Haokip, Alen Deory, Rehenesh Thumbirumbu Paramba, Sanju Pradhan, Hali Charan Narzary, Seityasen Singh, Lalthuammawia Ralte, Siam Hanghal, Raju Yumnam, Reagan Singh , Marlangki Suting, Zohmingliana Ralte, Kondwani Mtonga, Andre Bikey, Gennaro Bracigliano, Simao Pedro Da Fonseca Sabrosa (Marquee Player), Bruno Herrero Arias, Diomansy Mehdi Moustapha Kamara, Jorge Manuel Rebelo Fernandes, Cedric Alain Hervine Hengbart, Nicolas Leandro Velez, Francis Dadzie, Boubacar Sanogo
