NorthEast United FC, who are winless in their last six matches host a high on confidence FC Pune City at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday. After a flying start to the season, the Highlanders currently sit seventh in the table with 11 points from 10 games. Incidentally though, their last win was against the Stallions in the reverse fixture at Balewadi where they won 1-0 courtesy of a winner by their star striker Emiliano Alfaro. In the last match, they played some good, possession-based football to pick up a point against Atlético de Kolkata. They will be looking for nothing short of a victory though in this crucial tie against a Pune City team that showed great character to put four past one of the league favourites. Even though their defence leaked three goals, they showed from their football that they are by no means any pushovers. With the win, they are right back in the reckoning for a semis spot and will be eager to get one step closer when they visit NorthEast United.

Head to head:The inaugural season saw Pune pip NorthEast by one goal at home before the teams played out a goalless draw in Guwahati. Hero ISL 2015 witnessed the Stallions once again edge NorthEast by a sole goal at Pune before succumbing to a 2-3 defeat away. The Highlanders got their first win at Pune earlier this season, winning the match 1-0.

Form Guide (last five matches):

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

FC Pune City: L-W-W-L-W

Nicolas Velez vs Narayan Das

Argentine Nicolas Velez has always been a handful for opponents with his quick, darting runs and ability to go past defenders. He showed a poacher’s instinct to give his team the lead in their last match against Kolkata and will have to be top-notch for the tie against Pune, given a lot will depend on his partnership with Alfaro up front.

Narayan Das has slowly grown to become one of the key figures in the Stallions’ backline over the course of the season. The left-back has made 10 appearances and has performed solidly for his side. Comfortable in attack, he is capable of making overlapping runs from the left wing. Das can also be dangerous with his long throw-ins into the box.

Katsumi Yusa vs Jonatan Lucca

Midfielder Katsumi Yusa has been an integral part of NorthEast United, possessing good speed, pinpoint passing accuracy, and also a desire to retrieve balls. The highly-rated Japanese tries to contribute as much to the defence as attack. Much of NorthEast’s attacks center around him and he will have to be at his best if the Highlanders want to come out with all three points against Pune.

Pune’s Jonatan Lucca has provided the highest number of assists in Hero ISL 2016 (5). He is another player who loves dictating play and pulling strings from the centre of the park. With his deft set-pieces and incisive passes, Lucca is probably one of the most dangerous players on the pitch. Expect the 22-year-old to also find the back of the net in the Stallions’ pursuit of a semis berth.

Mailson Alves vs Anibal Rodriguez

Mailson Alves has made five appearances for the Highlanders this season. The Brazilian centre-back, who is an integral part of the backline will need to deal with the likes of Anibal and clear any danger in the box. He brings an abundance of experience to the team and can be a tough defender to get past. It will be an interesting battle between him and opposition attackers.

Anibal Rodriguez was at his best against Delhi, scoring a brace to help his team pocket all three points. He is a striker who does not need a second invitation to score, making most chances count. With quick feet and a great sense of finishing, the Mexican is one of the most dangerous strikers to be up against. He will want to keep his scoring boots on once more as his side face NorthEast.

Squads:

NorthEast United FC: TP Rehenesh, Subrata Paul, Wellington Gomes, Gustavo Lazzaretti, Mailson Alves, Nirmal Chettri, Reagan Singh, Robin Gurung, Salam Ranjan Singh, Shouvik Ghosh, Didier Zokora, Fanai Lalrempuia, Holicharan Narzary, Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Katsumi Yusa, Koffi Christian N’dri, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Rowllin Borges, Seityasen Singh, Wellington Priori, Emiliano Alfaro, Nico Velez, Robert Cullen, Sasha Aneff, Sumeet Passi

Pune City FC: Edel Bete, Arindam Bhattacharya, Vishal Kaith, Zodingliana Ralte, Vishal Kaith, Rahul Bheke, Yumnam Raju, Narayan Das, Augustine Fernandes, Dharmaraj Ravanan, Eduardo Ferreira, Gouramangi Singh, Arata Izumi, Jonathan Lucca, Francis Fernandes, Bruno Arias, Josep María Comadevall Crous (Pitu), Lenny Rodrigues, Momar Ndoye, Sanju Pradhan, Anibal Zurdo Rodriguez, Gustavo Oberman, Jesus Rodriguez Tato, Eugeneson Lyngdoh