NorthEast United FC will look to continue their splendid start to Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2018-19 when they host Mumbai City FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Friday.  The Highlanders have been one of the most impressive sides in the league so far, collecting 11 points from 15, including three wins on the road. Mumbai City, on the other hand, seem to have turned a corner after a slow October, winning two matches on the trot.

NORTHEAST UNITED FC

After a nine-day gap, NorthEast will play their sixth match of the league campaign. Under head coach Eelco Schattorie, the Highlanders look a completely rejuvenated side and deservedly find themselves as one of the frontrunners. In their last encounter, they showed incredible grit and fighting spirit to come away with all three points from Delhi.

On Friday, a maiden home victory will be the primary agenda for Schattorie and Co. as they get ready to face off against the Islanders. Key to their prospects will be the partnership of Federico Gallego and Bartholomew Ogbeche. The pair have been the standout players in the campaign so far and were on hand to help the team beat Delhi. The likes of Rowllin Borges and Redeem Tlang have also put in impressive performances for their team and will be hoping for more success against Mumbai.

Here’s a look at NorthEast United’s season in numbers:

MUMBAI CITY FC

Jorge Costa will be pleased with his side’s resurgence after a humiliating defeat to Goa. The Islanders have won their last two matches, including a vital 1-0 victory at the home of the defending champions Chennaiyin FC. NorthEast United, however, will be an entirely different prospect, given their recent form in the league.

The likes of Amrinder Singh, Lucian Goian and Subhasish Bose will have to be alert if they want to keep out the talented forwards from NorthEast. The trio of Arnold Issoko, Paulo Machado and Modou Sougou will once again be responsible for supplying the goals upfront. Sogou has hit the ground running with three goals in six games. If he can continue his fine goal-scoring form, Mumbai could very well collect their third victory in a row.

Here’s a look at Mumbai’s season in numbers:

PROBABLE LINE-UPS:

NorthEast United: Pawan Kumar, Reagan Singh, Gurwinder Singh, Mato Grgic, Robert Lalthlamuana, Redeem Tlang, Rowllin Borges, Jose Leudo, Federico Gallego, Juan Mascia, Bartholomew Ogbeche

Mumbai City FC: Amrinder Singh, Sauvik Chakrabarti, Joyner Lourenco, Lucian Goian, Subhasish Bose, Arnold Issoko, Sehnaj Singh, Paulo Machado, Milan Singh, Modou Sougou, Rafael Bastos

DID YOU KNOW?

• Bartholomew Ogbeche is the joint-top scorer in the league this season with Ferran Corominas (Six goals).
• NorthEast United are winless in their last five matches at home.
• Mumbai City have the highest number of clean sheets this season with three.

FANSPEAK

Which midfielder will pull the strings from the centre of the park on Friday?

• Federico Gallego
• Paulo Machado

Have your say in the comments section below.

Catch the match live on the Star Sports Network, Hotstar and Jio TV from 7:30 PM.