After a terrific start to the season, NorthEast United will be keen to consolidate their place among the Indian Super League Season 7’s frontrunners and extend their unbeaten streak when they lock horns with Jamshedpur FC at the Tilak Maidan Stadium in Goa on December 18.
The Highlanders will be pleased with the start they have had this campaign after six games. A victory on December 18 will put them level on points with table-toppers FC Mumbai City and second-placed ATK Mohun Bagan.
NEUFC found themselves in a similar position the previous season, remaining unbeaten after six games. But two back-to-back defeats saw their momentum slip as they endured a disappointing ninth-place finish.
However, if they manage to avoid a defeat against Jamshedpur, the Guwahati-based ISL side would achieve their best-ever unbeaten run in history.
“We are working hard to be sure we are not going to lose,” NorthEast United coach Nus said.
“We try to go for the three points in every single game but I’m not worried (about losing). The most important thing is (that) we keep progressing, improving and we stick to our identity,” he added.
“If we get the three points tomorrow, it will be the best (unbeaten) start for us, so looking forward to that,” the coach added.
NorthEast United will have to be wary of Jamshedpur striker Nerijus Valskis, who is currently the joint top-scorer alongside FC Goa’s Igor Angulo. The Red Miners have been dependent on the Lithuanian upfront, and he has scored six of his team’s seven goals so far.
Like NorthEast United, Jamshedpur heading into the game after successive draws
Like NorthEast United, Jamshedpur are heading into the game after successive draws. A win for Owen Coyle’s men, placed seventh, could enhance their chances of making it into the top four.
Jamshedpur will miss the presence of the suspended midfielder Aitor Monroy, who picked up a red card in the previous game against Mumbai City. They will have to ensure they control the midfield and stop NorthEast United’s forwards from getting the service they want.
The defence, marshaled by Stephen Eze and Peter Hartley will also have to play a big role to keep NorthEast United’s attacking force quiet. So far, only Mumbai have scored more goals than the Highlanders this season.
Coyle expects a tough challenge from his counterparts but also believes in his team’s abilities.
“They (NorthEast United) are a good team, they have shown they are hard-working and it’s going to be a tough game,” he said. “We have enormous respect for them but it’s also a game we’re looking forward to. We know that if we’re at our very best, it’s a game we can win,” he added.
