As the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati gears up to host its first match of Hero Indian Super League Season 2 (ISL), home team NorthEast United FC look to register their first victory of the season against FC Goa on Thursday. Following a big 4-0 defeat in their last match against Chennaiyin FC, FC Goa also need to get their campaign back on track. With both sides desperate to win, the match promises to be a cracker.

Reagan Singh v Mandar Rao Dessai

Having started both the games for his team this season, Reagan Singh has been quite the mainstay for NorthEast United FC. His 73% passing accuracy and six crosses in his first-ever Hero ISL stint speak volumes.

Reagan may get to spar with Mandar Rao Dessai, FC Goa’s golden boy for the second season running. With a goal to his name and a tally of five shots on target out of six, this left winger will want to see his team placed higher up the table.

Siam Hanghal v Joffre

Another NorthEast youngster in his debut season, Siam Hanghal bagged the Swift Moment of the Match award against FC Pune City, only his second game. The product of the Tata Football Academy enjoys a record of 70 good passes and an 84% passing accuracy till now.

Joffre, Hero ISL’s famed La Masia graduate, will look to penetrate through the NorthEast United resistance in the upcoming game. Featuring in his second Hero ISL season, Joffre would be quite familiar with the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium and the atmosphere out there, and that should stand him in good stead.

Nicolas Velez v Gregory Arnolin

This would be the Highlanders’ third game of this season and they need a special performance from Nicolas Velez to register their first win. His commitment to the team was manifested in the last game against FC Pune City when he played in a bandaged state. His equation with Silas and Diomansy Kamara would be key.

Velez would find a worthy adversary in Gregory Arnolin. The Frenchman stands tall as the central defender for the Gaurs, having put in 10 crucial tackles and 270 minutes of game time this season.

With NorthEast United FC yet to get off the mark, Cesar Farias’ men would be under serious pressure to secure a win. Zico’s men would not be taking this encounter lightly either, as they need to get back to winning ways. The Gaurs will be looking at more possession and a more successful passing strategy.

Squads:

FC Goa: Elinton Sanchotene Andrade, Luis Barreto, Laxmikant Kattimani, Lucimar Da Silva Ferreira [Lucio] [marquee], Gregory Arnolin, Luciano Sobrosa, Keenan Almeida, Nicolau Colaco, Raju Gaekwad, Debabrata Roy, Narayan Das, Jofre Mateu Gonzalez, Leonardo da Silva Moura [Leo Moura], Jonatan Lucca, Denson Devdas, Pronay Halder, Bikramjit Singh, Mandar Rao Dessai, Romeo Fernandes, Reinaldo Da Cruz Oliveira, Victor Simoes de Oliveira, Darryl Duffy, Thongkoisep Haokip, Victorino Fernandes, Joaquim Abranches, CS Sabeeth

NorthEast 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, Miguel Angelo Moita Garcia, 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

(The match starts 1900 IST and will be telecast on Start Sports 1/HD1/2/HD2/3/HD3)