ISL: Goal-shy NorthEast United FC host win-hungry Mumbai City FC

Guwahati, December 19: Having picked up just four points from their opening five games in the fourth season of the Indian Super League (ISL), NorthEast United FC are struggling in the ninth position.​ Joao Carlos Pires de Deus's side ha​s ​found it difficult to breach the opposition defence and score goals. So much so that the Highlanders have netted a grand total of two goals thus far.

Their opponents for Wednesday's (December 20) game at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Mumbai City FC, are facing nothing of that sort. Alexandre Guimaraes team will, in fact, be yearning to relaunch their bid to overtake local rivals FC Pune City and occupy a spot in the top four of the table. This is something they failed to do in their last game, against ATK at home.

Captain Fantastic, Lucian Goian has been a central pillar in #TheIslanders' defence showing imperious form in this #HeroISL season. #MadeInMumbai #LetsFootball pic.twitter.com/AGO8mYt0Yv

— Mumbai City FC (@MumbaiCityFC) December 19, 2017

​While talking to reporters on Tuesday (December 19), Joao acknowledged that his team needs to score more goals. But the Portuguese emphasised that "it's too early" to predict which four teams qualify for the business end of the season. "We have played five games, but no one wins or loses the league after that many games. This is a different type of competition. Even the team that finishes at the top of the table doesn't win the league. But, of course, we have to win more games and score more goals," the Portuguese coach said​.​

N​orthEast United FC​ will be without their first choice goalkeeper TP Rehenesh after he received a direct red card in their last game against Kerala Blasters. But more worryingly for him, it seems he has lost Joao's confidence.

​When asked about his choice of goalkeeper for Wednesday's game, Joao said,​ ​"When we started the season, we had three keepers. Obviously TP played the first five because the coach thought he was the best goalkeeper. Now the coach doesn't think he is the best. Well, now I feel that Ravi Kumar is the best."

With a turn around in mind, our #Highlanders have been toiling hard at the training pitch. We are charged up to make a strong comeback against Mumbai City FC #Highlanders #8States1United #NEUFC pic.twitter.com/S9p3yGVouq

— NorthEast United FC (@NEUtdFC) December 19, 2017

M​umbai City FC will also be without midfielder Sehnaj Singh. The 24-year-old is serving a one-game suspension after having picked up his fourth yellow card of the season last time out.

​Guimaraes, however, refused to reveal who will replace​ Sehnaj for the game. "It's a long night. I still have to think about that," he said.

Having played their last game just three days ago, the Costa Rican tactician did talk about their long travels and tough competition this season. "We played our last game last Sunday and we had to travel immediately for our next game. But it's the same with all the teams and I'm looking forward to playing on this (NEUFC) pitch, which is one of the best in the league."

NorthEast United vs Mumbai City FC

Indian Super League

Live from 8 pm

On Star Sports 2 and Hotstar

Source: ISL Media