Two teams with exactly opposite results in their first game, KBFC lost by a goal to nil against ATK Mohun Bagan while NEUFC won by a goal to nil against Mumbai City FC. These teams have met 12 times at ISL with The Blasters at the top 5 times. The Highlanders have tasted victory only three times against the Blasters. NEUFC was a hallmark of defensive organization in its first game, restricting the opposition to zero shots on goal. If Khassa Camara’s match hero performance allowed for defensive strength, the confident presence of Dylan Fox and Ashutosh Mehta at the rear further bolstered the defense. It was Kwesi Appiah, who scored from the point for the Highlanders. NorthEast head coach Gerard Nus expects this team to be equally pragmatic against the Blasters. In the first match, KBFC failed to disturb the rival goalkeeper with any of his attempts. Star forward Gary Hooper will be under pressure to perform better and will be looking to hand things over to his side. Much will depend on people like Vicente Gómez, Prasanth Karuthadathkuni, and Sergio Cidoncha to better serve Hooper. Lack of defensive communication and inability to clear the ball led the Blasters to concede against ATK Mohun Bagan and this is something they will want to avoid in this encounter. Head coach Kibu Vicuña will have to work hard against the well-drilled mountaineers.
.
