Mumbai City FC take on NorthEast United FC in their first home game of Hero Indian Super League 2016 at the Mumbai Football Arena on Friday. It will be Mumbai's first home game in their new stadium for the third edition of the Hero ISL and they will be looking to mark the occasion by making a winning start as they bid to make it two wins from two under Alexandre Guimaraes after a 1-0 win against FC Pune City in their season opener. NorthEast United FC, meanwhile, head into Friday's encounter high on confidence after back-to-back wins at home against Kerala Blasters FC and FC Goa.

Head-to-head: NorthEast have faced Mumbai four times and have beaten them twice. The Highlanders won 2-0 in Mumbai in Hero ISL 2014 and 2-0 in Guwahati in Hero ISL 2015. Mumbai's only win against NorthEast came last season in Mumbai when a Sunil Chhetri hat-trick helped them to a 5-1 victory. The only draw between these two teams came in the first season with the game ending in 1-1.

Form Guide (last five matches):

Mumbai City FC: L-D-L-W-W

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

Lucian Goian vs Emiliano Alfaro

Lucian Goian demonstrated his importance to Mumbai City FC's backline in his side's season opener that saw him make five tackles, two interceptions and a block to keep a clean sheet against a potent FC Pune City attack. The veteran Romanian centre-back also completed 34 passes from defence and was crucial to his side's build-up play from the heart of defence. He along with Anwar Ali will have to be at the top of their game again on Friday as they look to neutralise the Highlanders' attack.

Emiliano Alfaro became an instant hit with the Highlanders faithful on Tuesday after his brace against FC Goa handed his side their maiden win against the Gaurs. The Uruguayan forward is sure to be a massive threat against any team, if his performance against last season's runners-up is anything to go by. He seems to be developing a great understanding with Nicolas Velez and Katsumi Yusa, capable of wreaking havoc on any backline.

Matias Defederico vs Rowllin Borges

Matias Defederico's skill on the ball and energetic style of play makes him difficult to mark. The Argentine attacker's ability to go past players and produce clinical finishes makes him one of Mumbai's most creative outlets in attack. His winner against FC Pune City came from his only shot at goal in the game.

Rowllin Borges has established himself as a mainstay in the Highlanders' midfield. The 24-year-old's ability to dictate play and control the tempo of the game with neat and incisive passing seems to have won over head coach Nelo Vingada. He attempted a whopping 72 passes against FC Goa and was seen all over the pitch breaking down opposition attacks. His five blocks, four interceptions and two tackles further emphasize his defensive contribution to NorthEast.

Diego Forlan vs Gustavo Lazzaretti

Diego Forlan may not have been at his clinical best during his side's season opener against the Stallions, but in the end it was his deft touch that set up Defederico's goal. The Uruguayan legend showed some flashes of genius against Maharashtra rivals Pune City and will be expected to grow stronger as the season goes on. He will be looking to mark his home debut for Mumbai with a goal.

Gustavo Lazzaretti will need to organise his backline and lead from the front if his side wants to keep their unbeaten record in Hero ISL 2016 intact. The Brazilian centre-back is comfortable in possession and is a smart reader of the game. His leadership qualities will be crucial to the Highlanders not just on Friday but also for the remainder of the season.

Squads:

Mumbai 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, Pronay Halder, Sehnaj Singh, Boithang Haokip, David Lalrinmuana, Rakesh Oram, Matias Defederico, Otacilio Brito Alves, Sony Norde, Diego Forlan, Gaston Sangoy

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 Passi