Task cut out for host NEUFC

Chennaiyin FC primed to continue its recent fine run after losses in the first two outings.

PROLIFIC: Chennaiyin FC's cause would be well served against NEUFC if the current tournament's top-scorer Mendoza continues to find the back of the net.

NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) will look to upend a spate of reverses when it comes up against a resurgent Chennaiyin FC in the Hero ISL encounter at the Indira Gandhi Stadium here on Tuesday.

There is a sense of desperation in the NEUFC ranks as the team is yet to gain a point from its three matches. The team may well hark back to the past to gain some confidence. Among the few wins amassed by NEUFC in the ISL so far, the 3-0 win against Chennaiyin here last year has been its most emphatic performance.

The team composition has undergone a transformation when compared to the last season and a big win on Tuesday will definitely provide the encouragement for the ongoing edition.

Having conceded seven goals, while scoring two in its three outings, NEUFC will first have to transcribe its game plans into action when it takes on the might of Chennaiyin FC.

The visitors have, arguably, the best attacking combination in the Colombian-Brazilian duo of Mendoza and Elano.

Containing Mendoza

Much like Elano did last season, Mendoza has found outstanding form, scoring a hat-trick and a brace against FC Goa and Mumbai City FC respectively, to get Chennayin back on the winning track after losses in the first two outings.

The biggest challenge for the NEUFC defence, whose disorientation is a cause of concern for the hosts, will be containing Mendoza, the leading scorer in the tournament with five goals.

The creative Elano — along with Harmanjot Khabra, Raphael Agusto and Thoi Singh in the midfield — adds greater punch to the team’s aggressive designs. Cedric Hengbert, the Frenchman marshalling NEUFC’s defence in the absence of injured Portuguese defender Miguel Garcia, will have his task cut out.

Playing its fourth straight ‘away’ match, Chennaiyin FC coach Marco Materazzi will seek to preserve the fine form without making many changes in the formation that has seen the team score the most number of goals (eight) in the tournament.

On the other hand, NEUFC’s Venezuelan coach Cesar Farias may have to bring in some reinforcements to effectuate “productivity, focus and combination” that he has been trying to bring in since the start.

The host may look to include its marquee player, Portuguese midfielder Simao Sabrosa, who is back after an injury rehabilitation. Seityasen Singh and Ibor Khongjee are also available for selection and may make up the changes in the team that lost 3-1 to FC Goa here in its last outing.