ISL: Atletico de Kolkata vs NorthEast United - What we can expect - Preview and Prediction

League leaders Atletico de Kolkata host sixth placed NorthEast United FC at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. Atletico de Kolkata have won just one home game till now and played a goalless draw against Chennaiyin FC in their last game.

NorthEast United also played a goalless draw against FC Pune City. The last time they met in Guwahati, Atletico de Kolkata won 2-0 and NorthEast United will be hoping for a revenge. Both Atletico de Kolkata and NorthEast United have won just once in their last five games.

Venue & Kick-off

Salt Lake stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in the city of Kolkata. It is the biggest stadium in India and second biggest in the whole of Asia, boasting of a capacity of 1,20,000. The capacity has been reduced to 68,000 after the installation of bucket seats.

Kick-off: November 18, 2014 – 7:00 PM (IST)

Possible starting Line-Ups

Atletico De Kolkata (4-2-3-1): Subhashish Roy Chowdhury; Baljit Sahni, José Miguel González Rey, Arnab Mondal, Biswajit Saha; Borja Fernandez, Ofentse Nato, Lester Fernandez, Luis Garcia, Jofre Mateu, Fikru

Midfielder Cavin Lobo is out for the rest of the tournament as he suffered a tear in his ligament and is expected to be out of action for at least six weeks. Earlier, Denzil Franco was ruled out of the tournament due to a knee injury.

Baljit Sahni is once expected to start at right back after the attacker did reasonably well in the game against Chennaiyin FC. Arnab Mondal and Josemi have been solid at back for Kolkata, so no changes are expected in the heart of the defence. Biswajit Saha will fill in the right back slot. Subhashish Roy Chowdhury will keep his position between the sticks.

Atletico de Kolkata have failed to produce clear-cut goal scoring chances and are heavily dependent on their skipper Luis Garcia. Jofre Mateu had a decent game and will once against start for the Kolkata outfit.

One of the major concerns for Atletico de Kolkata is their striker Fikru is found deserted up front for most of the game and has no real support from him team-mates. Central midfielders Borja Fernandez and Ofentse Nato are expected to keep their position in the starting XI.

NorthEast United FC (4-1-4-1): Rehenesh T.P; Robin Gurung, Aiborlal Khongjee, Miguel Garcia, Joan Capdevila; Kondwani Mtonga, Felipe, Koke, Seminlen Doungel, Alen; James Keene

Rickie Herbert might play an unchanged side that faced FC Pune City. Milan Singh was dropped by Rickie Herbert and might find himself once again on the bench. Joan Capdevilla and Miguel Garcia will start at the heart of the defense and have to be alert against the likes of Fikru and Luis Garcia.

Semilen Doungel who scored a brilliant goal last week will once again start for NorthEst United. James Keene is expected to lead the attack. NorthEast United will be hoping Spaniard Koke is in top form if they want to take something out of this game.

Key Battles

Luis Garcia vs Joan Capdevila

Former Liverpool man Luis Garica will be up against his countrymen Capdevilla. Luis Garcia has been key to Atletico de Kolkata’s success till now and the Kolkata outfit are very reliable on their skipper to produce goal scoring chances. Garcia has played a leader role for his side and can be seen playing a part in every attack that comes from Atletico de Kolkata. Garcia hit the crossbar from a set-piece in the previous game against Chennaiyin FC. Joan Capdevilla will need to stay alert if he intends to win this Spanish battle.

Koke vs Ofentse Nato

Spanish attacking midfielder Sergio Contreras Pardo, also known as Koke has been a crucial player for Rickie Herbert. He is the top scorer for NorthEast United FC and scored a brilliant goal against Chennaiyin FC. Koke never hesitates to take shots from outside the box and Botswana defensive midfielder Ofentse Nato will have to be very careful against the Spaniard.

Prediciton

It’s very difficult to point out a winner as both the teams have been poor in the past few games.

Atletico de Kolkata 0-0 NorthEast United FC