NorthEast count on home record against Chennaiyin

NorthEast United have led the points table since their opening day win over Kerala Blasters FC. They now have 10 points from five matches, and a win against the defending champions will open a clear five-point gap at the top of the table.

“I am sure that in Guwahati and other regions in the northeast, people will take pride in these players and this team. We reached 10 points so far, which is good but we have not yet reached our target, which is to play the semi-finals,” said NorthEast manager Nelo Vingada. 

NorthEast United managed a fighting 1-1 draw against Delhi Dynamos in the previous match and, according to Vingada, the team can now match the best teams in the league.

“We need more points but I’m very confident because in these five games our team has kept improving and now we can play anywhere against anyone and give a fight. But of course we play to win. I’m very happy to be part of this league, this country and the atmosphere is great,” said Vingada, whose team was picked up for rich praise from Delhi Dynamos coach Gianluca Zambrotta who said NorthEast were the “best football playing team at present.” 

Chennaiyin FC will have pleasant memories about last season when they won the title but they will hope to forget their visit to Guwahati in a hurry. It all ended in disaster for Marco Materazzi’s side last season when Harmanjot Khabra was sent off, players were involved in skirmishes and they lost 0-2. 

Materazzi will hope to change his away record in Guwahati and having won against FC Goa, will not be short on confidence.

Chennaiyin FC registered their first win this season after putting it across FC Goa 2-0 in an early repeat of last year’s final. “We came in with a whole new mentality and what I told my players is that if we put the heart in, the will, the hunger, then we can win. If not then we are not the same team and we can be at the bottom of the table,” said Materazzi.

Live Next NorthEast United vs Chennaiyin FC @ 7 pm on Star Sports 4, HD 4