NorthEast United FC go into their second home game of the Indian Super League this season as they take on Chennaiyin FC at the Indira Gandhi athletic stadium in Guwahati.
The home side haven't been able to get off the mark in this season so far, and will be keen on getting atleast a point today.
The away side meanwhile look by far the better team on paper, as they have won two games on the trot and have finally found their footing in the tournament this year.
Chennaiyin FC are still not in the top four, and that will be something they will be keen on achieving after tonight's game.
There are a plenty of players who can play an instrumental part in tonight's game; here are some of them:
NorthEast United FC
Nico Velez - The number of chances the Argentine striker has missed for the Highlanders in the previous games this season has been innumerable and it's matter of worry for Cesar Farias. The 25-year-old Velez has plenty of potential in him and on any given day, he is the man who is pulling all the shots for NorthEast United FC in the attack.
Apart from that, his pace, penetration, precision crosses, as well as good link-up play with other strikers like Diomansy Kamara and Francis Dadzie upfront has really given that lethal attacking teeth to the side. The fans of the team will only wish his exploits in the attack finally bear some fruit today as he gets his name on the ISL scoresheet.
Sanju Pradhan - The former Atletico de Kolkata and East Bengal winger has been a lightining-fast sprinter from the right flank for Cesar Farias' side in this edition of the ISL. And the best thing is that he is only getting into place as the games pace.
With marquee player Simao Sabrosa sidelined for tonight's game as well, expect Sanju to cook up his magic once again. The 26-year-old is expected to put another strong display of pace and inter-passing, and also join the attack from the middle of the field, occasionally. However, with Seityasen Singh also recovering from his injury, Farias will have some tough time to select one of the two.
Chennaiyin FC
Stiven Mendoza - The short-statured Colombian forward has really turned the ISL spotlight on himself, thanks to his mind-boggling display in the last two games. Mendoza has got five goals from his previous two games and that is some stat in itself.
And with the form he is in at the moment, it can be taken for granted that the 23-year-old will get his name on the scoresheet atleast on one occasion tonight. His link-up with Elano in the middle of the park is another highlight of Chennaiyin FC this season. And anywhere within the penalty box, Mendoza remains the lethal man.
Jayesh Rane - FIFA World Cup winner with Italy and Chennaiyin FC marquee coach, Marco Materazzi, said in the pre-match briefing: "Jayesh, whom we call Neymar hit the woodwork a couple of times in the last match as you saw..." That was the best praise the 24-year-old Indian attacking midfielder could get -- being compared to Brazil star Neymar.
He was a pure revelation in his side's previous game against Mumbai City FC and worked his passes well with Elano and the other midfielders, and also took in shots occasionally. Unfortunately, his lofted ball hit the crossbar and came off in the game, but fortunately, it was slotted home by the ever-prowling Mendoza.
