FC Pune City face the NorthEast juggernaut

Pune: It would be too early to say FC Pune City have started to turn the things around. They have recorded just one win this season so far, and sit eighth in the table with five points.

On Tuesday, at the Balewadi Sports Complex, they face another stern test in a bid to revive the campaign in form of NorthEast United. This season, The Highlanders are in fine form, amassing 14 points from seven outings and sit fourth in the table.

The gap of nine points between the two teams precisely points to the kind of contrasting season the two teams are having. But, coming into the game, the Stallions will be motivated to continue their climb up the ladder after their 2-1 over Jamshedpur FC.

Apart from their first victory, Pune has also been boosted with the signing of star striker Iain Hume, who coming out of a long injury showed flashes of brilliance in his brief time on the field. On the wings, Ashique Kuruniyan has been in sublime form for the home side and has troubled the opposition defenders with his pace and dribbling skills. Interim coach Pradyum Reddy will hope that Marcelinho can get back to his best as when the Brazilian is on song, he can penetrate any defence at will.

‘Take game to NorthEast’
Reddy has vowed to take the game to NorthEast United and will be hoping his star forwards trouble the Highlanders.

“We tried in a couple of games before the break to go with a more conservative approach and it didn’t necessarily get us the results that we wanted. With the attacking options that we have in our squad, I think it is best for us to go with more of an attacking mindset because we need to get three points,” he said.

NorthEast United, on the other hand, won a thriller against Kerala Blasters with two goals in injury time. The win last week would have further boosted their confidence and belief that they can qualify for the play-offs for the very first time in five seasons.