ISL 2015: Three reasons why Mumbai City FC will defeat NorthEast United FC today
Mumbai City FC and NorthEast United FC made a disappointing start to their ISL campaign, but they both have turned that around with two wins in a row. This fixture could prove to be a turning point for both these teams.
Prediction
Mumbai City FC 1-0 NorthEast United FC
1. Chhetri's return
The return of Sunil Chhetri has changed the fortunes of a floundering Mumbai. The Indian skipper, who had missed an ISL debut due to national commitments returned and found his feet in the second game itself. Along with the dangerous Sony Norde and the physical Frederic Piquionne, Mumbai have the most lethal attack in the league on paper, alongside Chennaiyin FC.
2. Mumbai's solid defense
Statistically Mumbai have the best defense in the league, along with Delhi Dynamos. They have conceded just five goals in five matches, and come into the game with two back-to-back clean sheets.
The introduction of Darren O'Dea at the back has further strengthened the defense.
3. NorthEast's 5-3-2 formation will play into the hands of Mumbai's 4-4-2
Cesar Farias changed this team's formation to 5-3-2 against Atletico de Kolkata in their last game, and although that worked well against the defending champions, this tactic will play into the hands of Mumbai City FC.
Nicolas Anelka will play a very offense minded 4-4-2 and NorthEast's wingbacks will be outnumbered on the flanks. This will mean that central defenders Aiborlang Khongjee and Cedric Hengbart will have to shift wide in order to help Robin Gurung and Reagan Singh, and this will open up space in the middle for Chettri and Piquionne to exploit.
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