ISL 2015: Three reasons why Atletico de Kolkata will defeat NorthEast United tonight
Nicolas Velez's goal had handed NorthEast a win in the reverse fixture last month between the two teams. This time, however, both are coming in on the back of contrasting results. NorthEast, who have won just two of their last seven games, will face an Atletico side who dismantled Mumbai away from home in their last match.
Prediction
Atletico de Kolkata 2-1 NorthEast United
1. NorthEast’s bad away record
Since the opening season, NorthEast have managed to win just one out their eleven away games, and they have conceded a total of 17 goals in those matches!
Moreover, NorthEast will face an Atletico de Kolkata side who are rarely beaten at home – losing just two of their 10 matches at the Salt Lake Stadium.
2. A shaky NorthEast defence
NorthEast United have the worst defensive record in the league having shipped in 13 goals in seven games so far this season – interestingly, it is the same number of goals they conceded in the whole of the league phase last time around.
Cesar Farias has opted for a very attacking 4-4-2 formation in most of the games and with very little protection in the midfield, the defense has been left exposed far too often. Cedric Hengbart has fought a lone battle at the center of their back-four and the Frenchman certainly needs more support from his teammates.
3. Kolkata’s strength at the center of the park
NorthEast was impressive in the last game against Delhi Dynamos with both their wingers, Sanju Pradhan and Seityasen Singh shining, they outnumbered the Lions on the flanks with their 4-4-2 formation.
But they will find it hard to emulate against the rigid 4-2-3-1 formation of Kolkata. Unlike Delhi, Kolkata's wingers will track back and help out their fullbacks, while Hume will drop deep when defending, to outnumber NorthEast at the center of the park.
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