Guwahati: An unbeaten NorthEast United face a tough challenge when they face ATK at home in an Indian Super League match here on Saturday.
It’s a clash that may have ramifications at the top of the table. NorthEast United are fourth with 10 points from six matches, while ATK are second with 11 points.
With the top four sides yet to really pull clear of the chasing pack, the two teams will see this game as an opportunity to establish some gap between them and those below. Though NorthEast are yet to taste defeat this season, their form has been a little inconsistent. They have played three draws from their previous four games.
Coach Robert Jarni will need his team to convert these draws into wins. With the likes of Asamoah Gyan, Martin Chaves and Panagiotis Triadis playing well, the frontline has looked deadly, but they have been guilty of conceding cheap goals at the back. However, in what is a sign of their fighting mentality, the Highlanders have come up with late goals whenever they have found themselves in a position of trouble. “It does not depend upon us when the goals will come. In all games, in the first 15-20 minutes, we observe the opponents. When you play away from home, it is difficult to score as well,” Jarni said ahead of the match.
“We have many different players who are scoring the goals and making a difference,” he said. (PTI)