Pune, Oct 8: After a winning start to the second season of the Indian Super League (ISL), a confident FC Pune City will aim to hold on to their form when they face visiting NorthEast United FC side at the Balewadi Stadium here on Friday.

Tournament schedule

Pune got their campaign off to the best possible start in the second season with a 3-1 win over arch-rivals Mumbai City FC in the Maharashtra derby at home on Monday.

The following day NorthEast United FC had suffered a 1-3 loss in their first match at the hands of Kerala Blasters FC in an away match.

Former Turkey striker Tuncay Sanli was the star for Pune in the first match after netting a brace while Israil Gurung played a vital role with two assists and a late goal for his side.

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Pune's English coach David Platt used his experience to good effect as he fielded a 4-5-1 formation without some of his Indian players who are away on national duty.

The absence of the India team players wasn't a factor for the side as the talented lot got the better of their opposition.

On Friday too, Pune will look to use their home conditions to best effect and hold on to their winning momentum against NorthEast United who will be lacking in confidence after the loss in their opening match.

But actor John Abraham co-owned side will aim to re-group themselves and put on a better show against a team high on confidence.

Former Portuguese international Simao Sabrosa, who has been roped in by NorthEast United FC as their marquee player, will be the key as far as the visitors are concerned.

The midfielder, who was an integral part of leading Spanish club Atletico Madrid's Europa League-winning team in 2010, will aim to use most of his experience to help his side along with his other teammates grab full points from the match.

IANS