NorthEast United would look to boost its bid for a spot in the top four when it resumes its Indian Super League (ISL) campaign with a clash against Chennaiyin FC here on Saturday.
Eelco Schattorie’s team is fourth on the table with 20 points from 12 games. With just six games remaining and Jamshedpur FC, ATK breathing down its neck, it is imperative that the Highlanders grab a win against the bottom-placed side.
There will be concerns, though, particularly its form before the break. NorthEast was winless in four games and suffered a 1-5 reverse at the hands of FC Goa in its last match.
However, Schattorie will hope his side is fresh and raring to go after the long break, besides being boosted by the signing of Greek forward Panagiotis Triadis and Shouvik Ghosh.
Once again, the onus will be on Bartholomew Ogbeche who has nine goals under his name to lead the attack against a fragile Chennaiyin defence which has the worst defensive record in the league this season (24 goals conceded in 12 games).
John Gregory will
hope the break and the addition of new signings help turnaround their fortunes. C K Vineeth and Halicharan Narzary have been brought in on loan from Kerala Blasters and the duo could liven up proceedings.
The Englishman also suggested that Chennaiyin might go into the match with just four foreigners.
