ISL 2015: Three reasons why NorthEast will defeat Mumbai tonight
NorthEast United host Mumbai City FC in a mid-table clash at Guwahati tonight. Both the teams come into the game on the back of two defeats, but considering Mumbai shambolic performance against Goa in their last game, NorthEast are the favorites to grab the three points.
Prediction
NorthEast United 2-1 Mumbai City
Tactically Cesar Farias will outsmart Anelka
NorthEast United's defeat in the last game was largely due to the narrow diamond formation used by Kerala Blasters, which did not allow the home side to dominate the midfield. But Cesar Farias will not face similar issues against Mumbai. Anelka is not flexible enough, tactically, to change his 4-4-2 formation, allowing NorthEast to outnumber Mumbai in the midfield. Moreover, the return of Seityasen Singh and Bruno Herrero will provide massive boost for the home team.
Farias has also made some important impact substitutions and tactical changes during matches this season, something the Mumbai manager is yet to master.
Cracks appearing in the Mumbai camp?
It started with Andre Moritz, their star performer from last season, leaving the club after playing the opening match of the season. The former Bolton Wanderers player, reportedly, had an altercation with marquee player-manager Nicolas Anelka, and was 'relieved of his duties'.
Last month, assistant manager Oscar Bruzon left the club due to 'differences in football philosophy' with Nicolas Anelka.
After the 7-0 hammering at the hands of FC Goa in the last game, Anelka blasted his team in the post-match press conference, insisting that the team lacks character and do not deserve to wear the Mumbai jersey. These comments are unlikely to have gone down well in the dressing room. It is safe to say that all is not well in the Mumbai camp, and that will reflect on their performance on the pitch.
Mumbai – the team with the worst away record in the league
Mumbai are yet to win an away game this season. In fact, they have not won an away game since the inaugural season. In their bid to break their 12 match win-less streak in away games, that culminated with the 0-7 thrashing, Mumbai will face a team that has produced some good performances at home, notwithstanding the 1-4 loss against Kerala in its last game.
