NorthEast United FC return to action following a week-long break when they welcome Mumbai City FC to the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Saturday evening. The Highlanders began Hero Indian Super League 2016 on a high note but have recently slid down the table with two consecutive losses against Chennaiyin FC (0-1) and Atlético de Kolkata (1-2) at home. However, the tight nature of the league gives them a big opportunity to go right back to the top with a win in this fixture. Mumbai City, on the other hand, head into the contest with well-earned points away from home. The Mumbaikars registered a 1-0 win over league leaders Kolkata and drew 1-1 with Chennaiyin in their previous two matches. Mumbai are also currently tied for points (12) at the top of table and will be looking to create some daylight between themselves and ATK by doing the double over NorthEast.Head-to-head: NEUFC won 2-0 away and drew 1-1 at home in Hero ISL 2014. In Hero ISL 2015, Mumbai City beat the Highlanders 5-1 at home, only to lose 2-0 away later in the season. Their opening fixture this season yielded a 1-0 victory for Alexandre Guimaraes’ men.Form Guide (last five games):NorthEast United FC: L-W-D-L-LMumbai City FC: L-D-L-W-DEmiliano Alfaro vs Aiborlang KhongjeeEmiliano Alfaro has set Hero ISL 2016 ablaze with his rapid pace and lethal finishing. The Uruguayan has spearheaded NorthEast’s attack with conviction and is the top-scorer in the league with five goals this season. Dangerous in and around the box, his sublime finishing and instinctive poaching ability will keep Mumbai’s backline busy.Aiborlang Khongjee has been a constant fixture in the Mumbai defence this season. The defender has been consistent with his passing and has also shown his versatility by switching positions comfortably along the backline. Regular at winning tackles, his interceptions and blocks have also been key in foiling attempts on goal.Katsumi Yusa vs Krisztian VadoczKatsumi Yusa has proven his worth for NEUFC with his endearing work-rate and silky touch. The Japanese playmaker has troubled opponents with his pace and guile. The 28-year-old midfielder comes out the winner in most tackles and is known for winning his fair share of fouls for his side. He will be looking to add to his opening day strike against Kerala on Saturday.Krisztian Vadocz like Khongjee has appeared in every minute of Mumbai City FC’s Hero ISL 2016 campaign. Be it his passing, ball-snatching or tackling ability, the Hungarian has kept the midfield ticking with consummate ease. The 31-year-old’s aerial ability is an added threat to rivals especially during set-pieces.Gustavo Lazzaretti vs Diego ForlanGustavo Lazzaretti has kept things tight at the heart of the Highlanders defence. Adept at tackles, he has consistently intercepted balls into the box. An assuring presence at the back, his accurate passing has helped in starting attacks as well as counter-attacks for his team. The Brazilian centre-back can expect a busy day against Mumbai’s formidable frontline.Marquee man Diego Forlan has been a great mentor for the Mumbai side having led from the front. The former Manchester United striker has netted goals as well as helped create chances for his teammates. A leader on the field and an influential presence in the dressing room as well, NorthEast will have to keep Forlan quiet on Saturday.Squads:NorthEast United FC: Subrata Paul, TP Rehenesh, Wellington Gomes, Salam Ranjan Singh, Nirmal Chettri, Shouvik Ghosh, Robin Gurung, Reagan Singh, Mailson Alves, Gustavo Lazzaretti, Didier Zokora, Fanai Lalrempuia, Holicharan Narzary, Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Katsumi Yusa, Koffi Christian N'dri, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Rowllin Borges, Seityasen Singh, Wellington Priori, Romaric, Emiliano Alfaro, Nicolas Velez, Sasha Aneff, Robert Cullen, Sumeet PassiMumbai City FC: Roberto Volpato Neto, Albino Gomes, Gerson Vieira, Lucian Goian, Facundo Cardozo, Anwar Ali, Aiborlang Khongjee, Lalhmangaihsanga Ralte, Lalchhuanmawia Fanai, Munmun Timothy Lugun, Ashutosh Mehta, Krisztian Vadocz, Leo Costa, Jackichand Singh, Saran Singh, Sehnaj Singh, Boithang Haokip, David Lalrinmuana, Rakesh Oram, Matias Defederico, Otacilio Brito Alves, Sony Norde, Diego Forlan, Arnab Das Sarma, Thiago Cunha
