FC Pune to have field day against NorthEast United FC's shaky defence in ISL 2015

Pune dominated and outclassed their rivals, Mumbai City FC, in their opening match of the season. Tuncay Sanli provided a delightful performance upfront, as he completed a well deserved brace. The former Turkish international was well supported by Israil Gurung on the night – the Indian winger ended the match with two assists and a goal.

David Platt has every reason to be pleased with that performance, but now he has the task of embedding their marquee player, Adrian Mutu, into the starting line-up. While managers seldom want to tinker with a winning combination, Mutu's inclusion means Platt will have to push out one of the foreign players from the starting line-up.

Cesar Farias on the other hand has the issue of having too few options available to him. The NEFC manager is still missing Simao Sabrosa, while Miguel Garcia is also struggling with his fitness. The Highlanders' defense fell apart against Kerala Blasters and Farias does not have too many reliable options in the squad to mend it.

NEFC will play a string of home games after this match. Given the state of the squad at this point, and considering Pune's form, Farias will be pleased to get away with a draw as they head home.

FC Pune City team news

David Platt does not have any injuries to contain with ahead of this fixture. Pune's marquee striker, Adrian Mutu, who came on in the second half against Mumbai, is fit and ready to start the match.

The Stallions will continue to miss some key Indian players - Eugeneson Lyngdog, Baikash Jairu, Pritam Kotal and Jakichand Singh, who are away with the national team.

Platt could pair Adrian Mutu and Tuncay Sanli upfront in this game, but that would mean he will have to replace one of Nick Shorey or James Bailey with an Indian player.

NorthEast United FC team news

Cesar Farias has a lot to ponder upon, about the team selection for this game. He will be missing two key foreign players due to injuries. Simao Pedrosa is yet to regain full fitness, while Miguel Garcia had picked up an injury in their match against Kerala Blasters.

Moreover, Cedric Hengbart struggled due to his lack of pace in the last game, and his decision to replace Garcia with Bruno Arias in the center of the defense, proved to be a mistake as well. In Garcia's absence, Hengbart will continue his presence in the starting line-up, but Aiborlang Khongjee is likely to partner him this time.

What the managers said

David Platt, when asked about his decision to replace Tuncay Sanli in the last game despite his brace, remarked, "It’s important that we don’t risk injuries. Tuncay (Sanli) and others who ran all out needed rest immediately. We wanted to avoid a Postiga like situation.” "I wanted to give Mutu some minutes and yes, Mutu is ready for selection. It depends on how the game goes. It's hot and humid, I think and when you train you aren’t completely sure of the combination," Platt added.

NorthEast United manager, Cesar Farias, put up a brave face when asked about injury concerns. “Not everybody is available but we have no excuses though. We have to train to compete and play to our maximum potential,” he said. On his plans for the upcoming clash, "We have played just one game. Now is the moment to seize the inspiration and prepare well to meet the opposition. We can get one or three points; anything is possible," quipped the 42-year-old.

Previous meetings

3 November, 2014: FC Pune City 1-0 NorthEast United FC (Goossens 88')

15 November, 2014: NorthEast United FC 0-0 FC Pune City

Prediction

FC Pune City 2-0 NorthEast United FC

 Unless Farias pulls out a tactical masterpiece, this should be an easy three points for FC Pune City. The home team's attack looked threatening every time they broke forward against Mumbai, and considering the state of NEFC's defense, they should have a field day, later tonight.