NorthEast United FC take on Mumbai City FC in the 42nd game of the Indian Super League on Friday evening at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati, and both teams will be looking to record a crucial win.
Both teams come to the game at the backdrop of a defeat. NorthEast United FC lost their previous game with a 4-1 scoreline at home against Kerala Blasters, while Mumbai City FC were hammered 7-0 by FC Goa.
Nicolas Anelka's side have been unable to notch a win in their previous four games in the ISL this season, and that is a growing concern with just four matches remaining in the league season. Mumbai City FC are currently on 12 points, while NorthEast United FC have 13.
It is clear that Mumbai need to find form in their next few games of the Indian Super League this season if they are to make it to the playoff stage.
On the other hand, Cesar Farias' side will want to make good use of home advantage, and the presence of a fully fit squad will help him in that matter. The Venezuelan coach knows that Anelka's side will look to make a strong statement in order to overturn the bad memory of the massive defeat in their previous game.
"All the teams of the league are very hungry for a win at the moment. With the exception of maybe Goa, almost all other teams are in need of a win," the Venezuelan said.
"The games are very emotional and those who get the better of these emotions are going to emerge victorious. Every game is a decisive one in this final stretch of the league."
For Mumbai, even with the presence of the likes of Sunil Chhetri and Frederic Piquionne in the squad, and Sony Norde making a return from injury, Anelka remains a worried man.
"What is difficult in our team is as soon as we concede a goal it's like a game lost for us. We need to show our character [against NorthEast United FC], we need to show we are capable to come back even if we concede a goal," Anelka said at the pre-match presser.
"It [facing NEUFC] is a good opportunity for us to show that we are capable of reaching our target."
Where to watch the game live
Friday's ISL encounter between NorthEast United FC and Mumbai City FC is scheduled to kick-off at 7 pm IST (2.30 pm BST, 9.30 am ET).
Viewers in India can catch the game on Star Sports 2, Star Sports HD2, Star Sports 3,Star Sports HD3, Star Utsav, Star Gold (both Hindi), Asianet Movies (Malayalam), Jaya Max (Tamil), Suvarna TV (Kannada) and Jalsha Movies (Bengali). The live streaming is available on Starsports.com and Hotstar.
Viewers in the UK, South East Asia, Singapore, and Hong Kong can catch the game on Star Gold.
Viewers in Canada can watch the game on CBN and ATN.
Viewers in the US and Australia can tune in to Fox Sports. The live streaming is available on Foxsoccer2Go and Foxtel.
Eurosport remains the destination for the viewers in Europe. The live streaming is available on Eurosport Player.
Audience in the Middle East and North Africa can also catch the ISL game on OSN, with live streaming option on OSN Play.
