New Delhi: NorthEast United FC face a stiff test in Matchday 7 of the Indian Super League, as they take on FC Pune City at Balewadi.
If the first set of matches are anything to go by, Pune in their new avatar appear to be among the favourites to win the tournament this year. David Platt's side was disciplined in defence and also looked efficient going forward.
In order to keep their campaign on track, the Highlanders need to get a favourable result in their second game. NEUFC had a slow start last season, finishing bottom of the table. Coach Cesar Farias will hope his team can improve their form on the road this term.
Pune's Jackichand Singh and Eugenson Lyngdoh are away on national duty, while NEUFC have a full squad available for this important clash.
As Pune attempt to go top of the table and NEUFC look to out their first points on the board, here are two players to watchout for in Fridays encounter.
Tuncay Sanli
Tuncay Sanli was star of the show for Pune in their opening game against state rivals Mumbai. With two superbly taken headed goals, the striker was declared Hero of the Match in the Maharashtra derby. The Turkish international will be looking add to his goals tally. Sanli’s potent finishing in the box will once again came as the biggest threat to NEUFC from the Stallions.
Diomancy Camara
If NEUFC could take any positives from their dispirited performance against Kerala in their first game, Diomansy Kamara's performance had to be one of them. The 34-year-old posed a consistent threat to the opposition in a 1-3 loss in Kochi. The Senegalese had a passing accuracy of 90% on his ISL debut. Against Pune, Kamara will have to replicate his form to raise the game of his teammates.
