Atlético de Kolkata will look to carry forward their winning momentum against a spirited NorthEast United FC on Matchday 32 of the 2015 Hero Indian Super League (ISL) at the Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday. The reigning champions head into the match knowing a win will establish them into the top 4 and put them in a good position for a semi-final berth. NorthEast United FC, on the other hand, sit at the bottom of table after seven matches and have the leakiest defence in the league so far. Saturday’s fixture is an absolute must win for the Highlanders if they want improve their chances of qualification beyond the group stage.Atlético de Kolkata so far: W-D-W-L-L-L-WNorthEast United FC so far: L-L-L-W-W-L-DHead-to-Head: Atlético de Kolkata won both matches last season against NorthEast United FC with an aggregate score of 3-0. The Highlanders picked up their first win against Kolkata earlier this season with a 1-0 win at home.Tiri vs Francis DadzieTiri’s prominence in the Atlético de Kolkata set-up has increased in the absence of fellow Spaniard Josemi. Comfortable in possession and playing out back, Tiri boasts a passing accuracy of 81%. The robust centre-back has also completed 48 clearances and made 10 tackles for ATK thus far, making him a mainstay at the back for the defending champions this year.Francis Dadzie brings pace and penetration down the centre of NorthEast’s attack. The powerful Ghanaian has already netted once this season, and with a bit of luck he could have scored more. His pace has been utilized to stretch opposition defences with his run-ins behind the last defender. Dadzie’s ability to create chances for others is another important facet of the 20-year-old’s game.Sameehg Doutie vs SimaoSameehg Doutie has burst onto the scene for Atlético de Kolkata this season. The South African midfielder has become a key part of ATK’s first team set-up in the absence of players through injury. Having looked lively in his first few appearances for Kolkata, the 26-year-old finally delivered in his team’s last match by providing two assists that helped them to a 4-1 victory against Mumbai City FC.The Highlanders’ marquee player Simao has been at the centre of everything good for NorthEast this year. Simao’s free-kick has been one of the highlights of season as the leagues enters its second phase. Simao’s fitness holds the key to NorthEast’s fortunes having made just four appearance for his side in Hero ISL 2015.Iain Hume vs Cedric HengbartIain Hume ended his goal drought in spectacular fashion in Atlético’s last match where he netted the first professional hat-trick of his career. The Canadian hitman has endeared himself to the local fans, who recognize his energetic work-rate and never-say-die attitude. He has also provided three assists this season.Cedric Hengbart has upped his game with the added responsibility of captaining the Highlanders in the absence of Miguel Garcia. Hengbart has been the only constant in a rotating back-four which has conceded on 13 occasions this season. The Frenchman has made 28 tackles and 48 clearances for NorthEast from the back.Saturday’s encounter between these two neighbouring teams from the east of India promises to be a delight for neutrals. Dynamic players like Nicolas Velez, Sanju Pradhan, Javi Lara and Jaime Gavilan possess the quality to alter the course of the tie. Kolkata, backed by their fanatic home support, head into the game as firm favourites, however, NorthEast have already tasted victory against Atlético in their match at Guwahati earlier this season and will be hoping to do a repeat.Quotes:That’s an area we are working on [when asked whether away results were a concern]. Last game [vs Delhi Dynamos FC] we created chances and dominated the game and here we are looking to gain three points: NorthEast United FC coach Ceasr FariasThere are some injuries and they are on the way to recovery and I think [Mohammed] Rafique is a good addition. I know he is a good player and he is very important to us now. He has an important role to play: ATK coach Antonio Lopez HabasSquads: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, 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.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 Hume
