ISL 2016 table toppers NorthEast United FC take on defending Indian Super League in what is expected to be a mouthwatering game at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Guwahati on Thursday. The showdown also brings two Bollywood actors, John Abraham (co owner of NorthEast United) and Abhishek Bachchan (co owner of Chennaiyin FC), seen in Bollywood films like Dhoom and Dostana, together once again.
The attacking line of NorthEast United is turning out to be one of the best among all the teams this season. Uruguayan forward Emiliano Alfaro is already the topscorer of the tournament at the moment and the support from the likes of Katsumi Yusa and Nico Velez has been outstanding as well.
Football fans in Guwahati will remain witness once more to the attacking prowess of NorthEast United FC yet again on Thursday. Nelo Vingada's side have won both their home games of the season so far. "We are playing in our home stadium where we will have the support of our fans. We know they are as important as the 12th man," mentioned Vingada ahead of the game.
"It is our target to get three points [against Chennaiyin FC]. We know we have to collect as much points as possible to meet our target for NorthEast United FC to reach the semi-finals."
Interestingly, Chennaiyin FC have never been able to defeat NorthEast United FC in their previous four encounters. While the Guwahati side has won thrice, one match has been a draw. Now with Chennaiyin having won one, lost one and drawn one match this season, can the work get tough for Marco Materazzi's side?
"We always have maximum respect for the team that is at the top of the table," said the World Cup winner with Italy. "They [NorthEast] changed many players. The coach has done a very good job and it is a very well organised team and they deserve the 10 points they have. We know it is going to be tough but if we play well then we can win."
Schedule
NorthEast United FC vs Chennaiyin FC is scheduled to kick off at 7 pm IST (2.30 pm BST) on October 20.
Where to watch live
India: TV - Star Sports 2/HD 2.
Star Gold, Star Utsav (Hindi).
Jalsha Movies (Bengali).
Asianet Movies (Malayalam).
Asianet Suvarna Plus (Kannada).
Live streaming - Hotstar.
Europe: TV - Star Gold.
Australia, USA: TV - Fox Sports
Canada: TV - CBN, ATN Bangla
Bangladesh: TV - Channel 9
South-East Asia: TV - Eurosport
