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Preview, Game 19: Kolkata look to bounce back against the Highlanders

A rejuvenated NorthEast United FC are set to host defending champions Atlético de Kolkata on Matchday 19 of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2015 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Friday. NorthEast will be hoping to kick on after registering their first win of Hero ISL 2015 against Chennaiyin FC on Tuesday. Atlético de Kolkata, meanwhile, will be looking to return to winning ways after suffering their first loss of the season against FC Pune City.

NorthEast United FC so far: L-L-L-W

Atlético de Kolkata so far: W-D-W-L

Head-to-Head: Atlético lead 2-0 going into Friday’s match. Last year they won both away and home fixtures, winning 2-0 and 1-0 respectively.

Andre Bikey vs Iain Hume

It is no surprise that NorthEast United FC’s first shut-out of the league coincided with the addition of Andre Bikey at the back. Drafted in earlier this week as a replacement for the injured Miguel Garcia, Bikey was a dominant force at the heart of the Highlanders’ defence. The Cameroonian brought some much-needed defensive solidity to a NorthEast backline which had conceded seven goals in their previous three encounters prior to his arrival.

Iain Hume’s unmatched work-ethic is second to none. The Englishman has cemented his spot in Kolkata’s starting eleven and has spearheaded their attack in style this year. His three assists so far have always come in crucial junctures for Atlético this year. His contribution in defence cannot be ignored either. Hume has accounted for six tackles, six blocks and two clearances thus far.

Simao Sabrosa vs Borja Fernandez

Simao Sabrosa’s return from injury acts as a massive boost to NorthEast. The Highlanders’ marquee player made an immediate impact after coming on as a substitute in a 16-minute cameo that saw him guide his side to their first win of the season. His calmly-taken penalty broke the deadlock as NorthEast ran away 2-0 victors against Chennaiyin FC. Head coach Cesar Farias will be hoping that it was just the start of things to come from their talismanic Portuguese.

Borja Fernandez’s all-action style of play from midfield makes him pivotal to his side. The Spaniard’s direct confrontation with Simao can be expected to have a major say on proceedings as ATK head coach Antonio Lopez Habas will be hoping to nullify the former Portugal international’s threat in midfield. Fernandez has made more tackles than any other player from his team, making him the perfect defensive shield to sit in front of Atlético’s backline.

Nicolas Velez vs Arnab Mondal

Nicolas Velez has been an absolute livewire in attack for the Highlanders this year. Constantly involved in most of NorthEast’s attacks, the Argentine scored the decisive second to put the game to bed and hand his side their first points of Season 2 of the Hero ISL against Chennaiyin FC. More than capable on the wings, Velez has put in 11 crosses into the danger area this year. His ability to create chances for others makes him a key component to NorthEast’s attack.

Arnab Mondal will expect to have his hands full with the likes of Velez, Diomansy Kamara and Francis Dadzie breathing down his neck. The Indian international will be hoping to maintain his form that has seen him make five blocks and an interception at key points. His passing accuracy of 82% also gives us an indication of his ball retention ability.

It will be a crucial game for both sides with NorthEast United FC looking to further their winning momentum, while Atlético de Kolkata look for an immediate response after a disappointing defeat against FC Pune City. Both teams have plenty of game changers in the middle with the home side pinning their hopes on the likes of Silas, Kamara and Dadzie to carve open Kolkata’s defence. Atlético de Kolkata, on the other hand, have game-breakers of their own with individuals like Javi Lara and Jaime Gavilan desperate to make amends after their defeat against FC Pune City.

Quotes:

Any team winning two matches in succession will move up to the top four. It'll be a tough game for us and also for Kolkata. Their momentum is down after the match [after defeat against FC Pune City] and we're hopeful for a win: NorthEast United FC assistant coach Santosh Kashyap

I think we've a very difficult game tomorrow. We'll field our best 11 and give our best. The game is going to be very difficult: ATK coach Antonio Lopez Habas

Squads:

Atlético de Kolkata : Amrinder Singh, Juan Calatayud, Kunzang Bhutia (Lachungpa), Arnab Mondal, Denzil Franco, Nallappan Mohanraj, Syed Rahim Nabi, José Miguel González Rey (Josemi), José Luis Espinosa Arroyo (Tiri), Rino Anto, Lalchhawnkima, Augustin Fernandes, Sheikh Jewel Raja, Clifford Miranda, Borja Fernández, Ofentse Nato, Jaime Gavilan Martinez, Sameehg Doutie, Arata Izumi, Javier 'Javi' Lara Grande, Valmiro Lopes Rocha, Baljit Sahni, Nadong Bhutia, Hélder Postiga (marquee player), Sushil Kumar Singh, Iain Hume

NorthEast United FC: Aiborlang Khongjee, Robin Gurung, Boithang Haokip, Alen Deory, Rehenesh Thumbirumbu Paramba, Sanju Pradhan, Hali Charan Narzary, Seityasen Singh, Lalthuammawia Ralte, Siam Hanghal, Raju Yumnam, Reagan Singh , Marlangki Suting, Zohmingliana Ralte, Kondwani Mtonga, Andre Bikey, Gennaro Bracigliano, Simao Pedro Da Fonseca Sabrosa (Marquee Player), Bruno Herrero Arias, Diomansy Mehdi Moustapha Kamara, Jorge Manuel Rebelo Fernandes, Cedric Alain Hervine Hengbart, Nicolas Leandro Velez, Francis Dadzie, Boubacar Sanogo

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FC Goa down Kerala Blasters 2-1 to go top

Thanks to goals from Leo Moura and Gregory Arnolin, FC Goa beat Kerala Blasters FC 2-1 to go top in the 2015 Hero Indian Super League at Fatorda’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Thursday night. With 10 points from five matches, the Gaurs overtook FC Pune City who have nine points from four matches, meanwhile Kerala suffered their third defeat in five matches.

For the most part of the first half, the game was well-contested. Ball possession changed sides frequently with plenty of intercepts and run-ins going around. The deadlock was broken by the visiting side in the 24th minute. Mohammed Rafi spotted a Rahul Bheke cross that came right into the FC Goa box, and he made no mistake heading it home.

The game grew more intense after that goal. Zico’s men finally answered in the added time of the first half. Just a few minutes before the referee’s whistle, Moura levelled it for the Gaurs. The Brazilian attacker spotted a ball deflected by Kerala Blasters FC goalkeeper Stephen Bywater and shot it to the top-left corner of the Kerala goal. Both teams went into the break at 1-1.

The second half saw the same style of well-contested football. Possession, however, was dominated by Kerala in the initial phase of the second half. The home supporters cranked up the noise level with the arrival of local boys Mandar Rao Dessai and Romeo Fernandes as substitutions in the 61st minute. But a hush followed, when in the 64th minute, from a corner, the Blasters came close to scoring their second, from a Sanchez Watt blast at first, and then two consecutive jabs by Bruno Perone.

It was crucial for both teams to gain those three points and elevate to a better position on the rankings table. And FC Goa beat the visitors to the chance, scoring the second goal in the 83rd minute. From a Mandar corner, Arnolin headed the ball past goalie Bywater.

Goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani stood tall towards the end and stopped CK Vineeth’s volley to keep Kerala at bay. The stands, packed at 18,927, witnessed a fast-paced game of football as the Gaurs rose to the top of the table.

This was the second time in the League that the Gaurs had come from behind to win the match. The match also saw India national team defender Narayan Das come back from national duty and play his first Hero ISL match of Season 2015 for FC Goa.

Match awards:

Club Award: FC Goa

Swift Moment of the Match: Mohammed Rafi (Kerala Blasters FC) (Watch here)

Amul Fittest Player of the Match: Gregory Arnolin (FC Goa) (Watch here)

ISL Emerging Player of the Match: Rahul Bheke (Kerala Blasters FC)

Hero of the Match: Leo Moura (FC Goa) (Watch here)