Top position will be at the back of the minds of NorthEast United FC and Atlético de Kolkata when both teams take the field at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Friday. The Highlanders have 10 points from six matches, while ATK have nine points from six matches, and with a win they both can overtake Mumbai City FC, who are presently leading the league with 11 points from seven matches. NorthEast should feel rejuvenated after a long break since they played their last match on October 20 against Chennaiyin FC. ATK, on the other hand, have no such advantage having played on Tuesday against Mumbai City FC earlier this week. Home advantage is another factor that gives the Highlanders the upper hand. Be that as it may, having lost their last game, both teams will look to return to winnings ways on Friday.Head-to-head: It’s even stevens so far between these two teams. NorthEast won both encounters in Hero ISL 2015, 1-0 in Guwahati and 1-0 in Kolkata. In Hero ISL 2014, ATK won both matches, 2-0 in Guwahati and 1-0 in Kolkata.Form guide: (last five matches)NorthEast United FC: W-L-W-D-LAtlético de Kolkata: W-D-D-W-LDidier Zokora vs Iain HumeWith an exceptionally high passing rate, Didier Zokora has been a pillar in the back for the Highlanders. The marquee man has got significant game time so far and has made it count working like a Trojan. The team surely will need his experience and game reading abilities to stop Kolkata in their tracks.Iain Hume has not quite lived up to his reputation in Hero ISL 2016. With just two goals from six appearances – both from the spot - the 32-year-old will look to lead from the front and begin scoring from open play. Hard-working by all means, Hume’s runs down the middle will be crucial to ATK’s chances.Holicharan Narzary vs Javi LaraHolicharan Narzary has so far had a good Hero ISL having picked a few important awards for his performances. The Highlanders will want him to continue the good work that has seen him provide one assist and quite a few key passes. His runs down the flanks and exceptional bursts of pace will definitely trouble the Kolkata backline.Javi Lara began the season on a high with two goals but has been a bit subdued since. With little to choose between teams this year, the Spaniard needs to find his mojo back and ensure his lethal free-kicks do find the back of the net sooner rather than later. His ball-snatching ability is another plus that could come in handy on Friday.Emiliano Alfaro vs TiriAlfaro is the leading goal scorer of the Hero ISL 2016 with four goals. His performances have spoken for him so far and the trend may continue. Lethal inside the box, his aerial capabilities also give him an added advantage. Alfaro also looks set to tighten his grip on the Golden Boot award.A regular starter, Tiri has been a vital cog in ATK’s wheel this season. The Spaniard has been winning aerial duels with ease. His reassuring presence in the back with his interception and tackling abilities have indeed added steel to the 2014 champions’ backline.Squads:Atlético de Kolkata: Shilton Paul, Debjit Majumder, Dani Mallo Castro, Tiri, Arnab Mondal, Pritam Kotal, Kinshuk Debnath, Prabir Das, Pablo Gallardo, Robert Lalthlamuana, Borja Fernandez, Ofentse Nato, Javier 'Javi' Lara Grande, Sameehg Doutie, Stephen Pearson, Bikash Jairu, Bikramjit Singh, Lalrindika Ralte, Sheikh Jewel Raja, Abhinash Ruidas, Bidyananda Singh, Helder Postiga, Iain Hume, Juan BelencosoNorthEast 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
