Pune, 26 November 2018: A resurgent FC Pune City, buoyed by their new found attacking prowess are now looking at changing the game plan in Hero Indian Super League as they get ready to take on next opponent NorthEast United FC on Tuesday at Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Balewadi, Pune.

Even though it seems quite unlikely given the competition and the current points position among the present top four, Pune with only five points from eight matches, are hoping to turn the fortunes with a good run of results to propel them further in contention for a play-off spot.

However, the international break seems to have helped Pune get some semblance into their season as they finally managed to register their first win by downing Jamshedpur FC last week. The Stallions have 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.

FC Pune City players warming up before the match 35 of the Hero Indian Super League 2018 ( ISL ) between FC Pune City and Jamshedpur FC held at Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium, Pune, India on the 21st November 2018
Photo by: Faheem Hussain /SPORTZPICS for ISL

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.

“If you look at the way the league table is now, we need to get closer to Kerala, the team immediately above us (in seventh). We have to have that kind of an attacking mindset.”

Federico Gallego of Northeast United FC during the warmup session before the start of the match 37 of the Hero Indian Super League 2018 ( ISL ) between NorthEast United FC and Kerala Blasters held at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati, India on the 23rd November 2018
Photo by: Deepak Malik /SPORTZPICS for ISL

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.

Interestingly, unlike the seasons gone by, NorthEast have a mean defence and have only conceded eight goals from seven games. This has given a lot of teeth to their forwards. Bartholomew Ogbeche has scored seven goals and is very much in the race for the Golden Boot alongside Ferran Corominas (8) and Sunil Chhetri (5).

“Pune are under more pressure than us. We need to maintain where we are and (meet) expectations and Pune need to climb up. It will be an interesting game,” Coach Eelco Schattorie stated.

Northeast United FC players during the warmup session before the start of the match 37 of the Hero Indian Super League 2018 ( ISL ) between NorthEast United FC and Kerala Blasters held at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati, India on the 23rd November 2018
Photo by: Deepak Malik /SPORTZPICS for ISL

“Pune have a squad with a lot of individual quality. They have some really good individual players that can make a difference. The weakness of Pune, for me, is very clear and hopefully, we can exploit them,” said the Dutch coach.

Given the quest of both the teams, a lot is at stake at Balewadi. Pune could build a momentum from here onwards, while on other side NorthEast – being the dark horse this season – could go one step further to cement their place in top four.

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