NorthEast United FC entertain FC Pune City on Matchday 52 of the Hero Indian Super League in what will be their last game of the league stage at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Guwahati on Wednesday. Both sides head into the game knowing that “three points” is an absolute must for their semis aspiration. To reach the semis, the Highlanders must win Wednesday’s encounter and hope FC Pune City beat Chennaiyin FC on December 5. FC Pune City, on the other hand, cannot afford to lose against Cesar Farias' men because that will be the end of the road for them.

Form Guide (Last 5 matches)

NorthEast United FC: W-L-W-D-L

FC Pune City: L-D-D-L-L

Head-to-Head: FC Pune City drew away and won at home against NorthEast United FC last season. The Stallions maintained their undefeated streak against the Highlanders earlier this season as well when they beat them 1-0 at home.

Nicolas Velez vs Roger Johnson

Nicolas Velez will have to up his game against the Stallions as he looks to guide them to the semi-finals this year. Top-scorer for the Highlanders, Velez’s close control and ability to go past opposition defenders effortlessly will be a source of concern for David Platt’s men. The fleet-footed player’s propensity to drift into wide areas is sure to make life difficult for both the Stallions full-backs.

Roger Johnson can be expected to be kept busy against an attacking NorthEast line-up that is likely to feature Velez, Simao, Diomansy Kamara and Victor Mendy. Johnson has been one of his side’s best defenders all season and is now one of the first names in David Platt’s team-sheet. The Englishman has completed 113 clearances and 20 blocks this season - the most by any FC Pune City player.

Simao vs Lenny Rodrigues

Simao will need to have a major influence against Pune if NorthEast are to get a positive result in their last league match of the season. The Portuguese maestro has returned to full fitness after a missing a few matches earlier this season through injury. Since his return the former Portugal playmaker has split open opponent defences at will and has also scored three goals to go with two assists.

Lenny Rodrigues will have a key role at the centre of the park against the Highlanders. Rodrigues’ ability to break up attacks will be crucial. He has made 35 tackles and 16 interceptions this season and will be handed the responsibility of containing a dynamic NorthEast attack from his deep lying midfield position.

Cedric Hengbart vs Adrian Mutu

Cedric Hengbart has been a linchpin in NorthEast’s defence this season. The veteran Frenchman has put in some spectacular performances for his side under pressure this year and has got the most number of clearances for the Highlanders this season (88). Hengbart also tops the leaderboard for the most interceptions (27) and blocks (19) in Season 2.

Adrian Mutu has been Pune’s in-form striker during the closing stages of the league phase. A threat from set-pieces and dead-ball situations, Mutu has netted thrice for the Stallions this season. A two-footed player, Mutu is capable of altering the course of the game from anywhere.

Quotes:

It's true that we had a big possibility in the last game [vs Delhi Dynamos FC which NorthEast lost 2-1] but we let it slip through our hands. But it also true that we still have a possibility, it's not impossible: NorthEast United FC head coach Cesar Farias

It is like a final but we have our fate in our own hands, we are not dependent on other results. The situation is enjoyable in a perverse sort of way: FC Pune City head coach David Platt

Squads:

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, Carlos Javier Lopez, 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, Victor Mendy

FC Pune City: Kalu Uche, Adrian Mutu (Marquee Player), Yendrick Ruiz, Wesley Verhoek, Tuncay Sanli, Didier Zokora, James Bailey, Jackichand Singh, Fanai Lalrempuia, Sushanth Mathew, Manish Maithani, Bikash Jairu, Israil Gurung, Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Lenny Rodrigues, Diego Colotto, Roger Johnson, Nicky Shorey, Govin Singh, Gourmangi Singh, Gurjinder Kumar, Pritam Kotal, Dharmaraj Ravanan, Steve Simonsen, Lalit Thapa, Arindam Bhattacharya