TV CHANNELS & LIVE STREAM

The Star Sports Network have the exclusive broadcasting rights of the ISL. The games will be telecast with the option of English and/or Hindi commentary over their bouquet of television as well as digital platforms.

Commentary will also be available in vernacular languages across India.

 

TEAM NEWS

FC PUNE CITY:  

Injured: None Doubtful: None Suspended: None Key Players: Emiliano Alfaro, Adil Khan, Vishal Kaith

Baljit Sahni has three yellow cards to his name so far this season. Sarthak Golui may continue in his place while Isaac Vanmalsawma faces competition from Ashique Kuruniyan for a spot in the starting XI.  

NORTHEAST UNITED:  

Injured: Halicharan Narzary Doubtful: None Suspended: None Key Players: Marcinho, Rowllin Borges

Rehenesh TP will be back in goal after serving his one-game ban for his direct red card against Kerala Blasters. It will once again be a pick between Danilo Lopez and Luis Alfonso in the attack. Halicharan Narzary hasn’t been training lately, which might pave way for Lalrindika Ralte (Didika) to start on the left side.  

GAME PREVIEW

Pune City come into the fixture on the back of a resounding 2-0 win over FC Goa, their second win away from home after their win in Jamshedpur. But their fortunes at home ever since clinching the Maha-derby has been bad, losing back-to-back home games against Chennaiyin FC and Bengaluru FC.

However, Ranko Popovic, who begins serving his four-match ban from Saturday’s clash, had shown impressive tactical nous in the previous games. Former NorthEast United striker Emiliano Alfaro has already scored five goals while Marcelinho has a couple of goals and assists each to his name.

NorthEast United have registered just the one win this season when they downed Delhi Dynamos 2-0 at their own den. The pressure on Joao de Deus is immense as they are now on a three-game losing streak in ISL.

The visitors have failed to score in five of their six games and that raises serious questions over their midfield and attack this season. The club left it very late in pre-season to announce their eight foreign signings and from what we have seen so far, the foreign players have failed to perform collectively. The exit of Adilson Carlos Tavares Filho is the latest nail in the coffin for the club that lies only a point above tenth-placed Delhi Dynamos in the standings.

Inconsistency has been Pune City’s biggest issue. The club has not registered a single draw since the start of the season. 

The Stallions have won four and lost three games and are level on points with FC Goa and Bengaluru. Emiliano Alfaro and Marcelinho are their focal points in attack and the NorthEast United defence can expect a difficult 90 minutes on the pitch.

Will the Highlanders make amends for their slow start with three points against the Punekars?