FC Pune City eyeing second win on the bounce against NorthEast United

by FC Admin October 9, 2015

FC Pune City will enjoy home advantage against NorthEast United when the duo take on in the Hero India Super League (ISL) at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune later today. David Platt will be looking to take full points once again with the Punekars playing at home.

Cesar farias on the other hand will be looking to get things back on track for the Highlanders after their dismal showing against the Kerala Blasters.

Form Guide & Head to Head

FC Pune City come into the game on the back of a morale boosting 3-1 win over local rivals Mumbai City FC in their last game. Tuncay Sanli rose to the occasion as his finishing proved to be the difference between the two sides. Israil Gurung was the star for the Punekars against Mumbai City FC as he helped David Platt’s men come out of a tough game as winners.

North East United on the other hand found the Kerala Blasters too hot to handle and succumbed to a 3-1 defeat in Kochi. Long way away from their home, NorthEast United are certainly feeling the heat as they face another tough game against a strong FC Pune City squad.

The Head to head record too doesn’t make any great reading for the Highlanders as they are yet to register a goal against the Mharashtra side. NorthEast fell to a 1-0 defeat, the last time they visited the Balewadi stadium after FC Pune City had managed to escape Guwahati with a point post a 0-0 stalemate.

Looking at Tuncay’s form, it will be difficult for NorthEast United to expect anything from the game if they fail to score again.

Team News

Adrian Mutu is likely to make his full debut for FC Pune City as David Platt is likely to go with a 4-4-2 formation which worked well against Mumbai City FC in the 2nd half. Platt is likely to retain the same back four from the Mumbai City FC game and Israil Gurung will again start on the right with Eugenson Lyngdoh and Jackichand Singh still away on International duty.

Expected Starting Lineup (4-4-2): Simonsen, Lenny, Gourmangi, Deigo Colotto, Gurjinder, Israil Gurung, Didier Zokora, Manish Maithani, Nicky Shorey , Adrian Mutu, Tuncay Sanli

Cesar Farias’ 4-4-2 system didn’t work out according to his plans and he is likely to make a few changes to his team.

Simao is still missing for the Highlanders, while Miguel Garcia is a major doubt for the game. Bruno Herrera would be his likely replacement in the NorthEast United line-up.

Expected Starting Lineup (4-4-2): Rehenesh, Robin, Bruno, Hengbart, Reegan, Silas, Hanghal, Kamara, Boithang, Velez, Dadzie

Predictions

FC Pune City 2-1 NorthEast United

NorthEast United are expected to up their game after their defeat in the first game, but major absentees makes FC Pune City the favoritres at home. FC Pune City were clinical against Mumbai City FC and a similar performance could see them pick up another win