Match: Mumbai City v NorthEast United
Date: 7 October, Friday
Time: 9:30pm SGT/7pm IST/2:30pm BST
Venue: Mumbai Football Arena
Competition: Indian Super League 2016
TV Coverage: There is no TV coverage of the 2016 ISL clash between Mumbai City and NorthEast United in Singapore.
Live Streaming: Hotstar
Overview
Mumbai City host NorthEast United in their 2016 Indian Super League clash at Mumbai Football Arena on 7 September.
The hosts have begun their campaign on a positive note with a 1-0 victory over state rivals FC Pune City in their season opener away from home.
Alexander Guimaraes would have been more than happy with the efforts of his marquee signing Diego Forlan, who came up with a good show in the frontline. The Uruguayan legend also dropped back frequently to keep his side in the hunt.
Mumbai City were tested in the first half by Pune but the visitors' displayed composure and eventually took the lead after the break with a strike from Matias Defederico, which was assisted by Forlan.
Guimaraes went in with a 4-5-1 combination, which eventually worked well him for him on Monday. Sehnaj Singh and Pronay Halder played as defensive midfielders and Defederico played behind skipper Forlan. Sena Ralte came up with a good show in the opening encounter and will once again want to win the trust of his coach on Friday.
Mumbai will want to display the defensive discipline that was on show in their season opener. Brazilian goalkeeper Roberto Volpato, who signed for the ongoing season, proved his worth with some crucial saves.
On the other hand, NorthEast have had a stunning start to their season after winning two straight games. However, on Friday, they would be without the passionate crowd that has been rallying behind them at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Guwahati.
Custodian Subrata Paul has been on top of his game and he came up with some remarkable saves to deny FC Goa on Tuesday. The 29-year-old, who will face his former club next, has kept two clean sheets already.
Upfront, NorthEast fielded a lone striker in Emiliano Alfaro after benching Nicolas Velez. Nelo Vingada slotted in Wellington Priori to the midfield and his moves seemed to work wonders as the Uruguayan struck twice to lead the side to their second successive win of the season.
Katsumi Yusa, who scored the only goal in their win against Kerala Blasters, was impressive again. Didier Zokora, who suffered an injury during their pre-season, will be itching to play the full 90 minutes.
Mumbai will be in a strong position if they are able to string an array of wins before Indian skipper Sunil Chhetri returns to the squad in the coming weeks. Haitian midfielder Sony Norde will also be back soon after finishing his international duties Caribbean Cup qualification.
While a home game at a new venue might just be the perfect platform for Mumbai to add to their tally, NorthEast United, will be looking to widen the gap at the top of the table.
TV Schedule
Australia: Fox Sports 4 Australia
Bhutan: Star Sports 3 Asia
Bangladesh: Star Sports 3 Asia
China: LeTV
Nepal: Star Sports 3 Asia
India: Star Sports 3
UAE: Abu Dhabi Sports 6
Team News
Mumbai City
Possible XI: Roberto Volpato; Sena Ralte, Anwar Ali, Lucian Goian, Aibor Khongjee, Leo Costa; Pronay Halder, Sehnaj Singh, Kristian Vadocz, Matias Defederico; Diego Forlan
NorthEast United
Possible XI: Subrata Paul; Robin Gurung, Priori Wellington, Gustavo Lazzaretti, Mailson Alves, Nirmal Reagan Singh; Holicharan Narzary, Didier Zokora, Katsumi Yusa, Rowlin Borges; Emiliano Alfaro
