NorthEast United's dream run came to a jarring halt after Nelo Vingada-coached side have picked up only one point from their last three games.
The problem with United is that there is an over-reliance on one man to deliver the goods, Uruguayan striker Emiliano Alfaro.
His more illustrious compatriot, Diego Forlan, has looked sluggish in the Indian Super League so far but there is nothing that a couple of goals can't fix. His penalty was the difference between the two sides at the Andheri Sports Complex. After registering their first-ever point against Chennaiyin FC, it is Mumbai City FC who have more momentum between the two sides.
The Chennaiyin-Mumbai City encounter exposed Alexandre Guimares' side as they failed to create openings throughout the game and were saved by a truly world class strike from Leo Costa. The area on the field that Mumbai can be assured of is their backline, which has been superbly marshalled by Lucian Goian.
Sony Norde's erratic displays are slightly worrying for Mumbai although they can breathe easy with Matias Defederico returning from injury. The wily Argentine can be a handful for any defender and has risen to become the central figure in Mumbai's attack. In Katsumi Yusa and Nicolas Velez, United can look elsewhere for goals but the duo have been poor in front of goal, especially the Japanese. The one-week break may have done them a world of good after their poor second-half display during their 1-2 defeat to Atletico de Kolkata.
Match Facts
Venue: Indira Gandhi Stadium, Guwahati
Capacity: 35,000
Time: 7 pm IST
Last meeting: Mumbai City FC 1-0 NorthEast United, 7th November 2016, Andheri Sports Complex, Mumbai
Head-to-head: Matches: 5, NorthEast United wins: 2, Mumbai City FC wins: 2, Draws: 1
Key Battles:
Lucian Goian vs Emiliano Alfaro
What a battle this will be! Both players have consistently been improving on their performances with every passing game. There are no apparent flaws in Goian's game. Even when his teammates have been below par, the Romanian has single-handedly kept his side in the game and is the reason behind Mumbai conceding fewer goals than the last season.
Alfaro can be a menace for any centre-back. The striker has good feet too and can bring others into the game. The set-piece play is an assured treat in this contest.
Didier Zokora vs Matias Defederico
The Ivorian has been a reliable presence since moving to NorthEast United but his coach, Nelo Vingada has not given him a consistent run of games. However, there have been signs of improvement as United have looked more compact with the former Tottenham Hotspur and Sevilla man's presence.
Defederico comes back after missing out on a couple of games with a niggle. The problem for the United backline is that the Mumbai attacking midfielder brings Norde and Forlan into the game. That is where Zokora's experience is vital for his team.
Squads
Mumbai City FC
Albino Gomes, Roberto Valpato Netto, Aiborlang Khongjee, Anwar Ali, Gerson Vieira, Lalhmangaihsanga Ralte, Lucian Goian, Walter Ibanez, Ashutosh Mehta, Boithang Haokip, David Lalrinmuana, Jackichand Singh, Krisztian Vadocz, Leo Costa, Pronay Halder, Diego Forlan, Gaston Sangoy, Matias Defederico, Sony Norde.
NorthEast United FC
Subrata Paul, Wellington Gomes,Gustavo Lazzaretti, Mailson Alves, Nirmal Chettri, Reagan Singh, Salam Ranjan Singh, Shouvik Ghosh, Didier Zokora, Fabio Neves, Fanai Lalrempuia, Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Katsumi Yusa, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manoel Morais Amorim, Rowlin Borges, Seityasen Singh, Wellington Priori, Sasha Aneff, Nicolas Vélez, Sumit Passi.
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