The good form that NorthEast United have displayed over the last few matches will now be put to test. Despite having lost only one game so far, which was against Mumbai City FC, the Highlanders have got off to their best start in their Indian Super League history and currently sit on top of the table.

Importantly, under Portuguese coach Nelo Vingada, the side has already have a fair idea about what their best team is, and look compact, if not spectacular in midfield. Going forward, Emiliano Afano and Nicolas Velez have showed that they can catch defences off guard – Velez's clever running and Afano's finishing is the home side's most potent weapon. But, they are up against Marco Materazzi's defending champions, who are on the ascendancy after a slow start to the season.

In what can come as a rude shock to many, Chennaiyin are yet to post a win against United. Even in their title-winning campaign last year, United managed to beat Chennaiyin twice, thumping them 3-0 in the corresponding fixture.

United in particular, have gone through a shift in mentality this edition with Vingada bringing in a bit of organisational shape without the ball. Chennaiyin come into the game on the back of a resounding 2-0 win against FC Goa.

It was not just the margin of victory but the manner in which Materazzi's side controlled the game that showed a side getting back on track. Chennaiyin still miss a few key names from their roster due to injury. It is striker Stiven Mendoza's absence that has made them lack bite while going forward.

Chenniayin's management's bold move to drop some key players after their heavy defeat to Delhi Dynamos paid off handsomely against Goa. United, though, will undoubtedly be a much bigger threat at the goalmouth.

In terms of styles, there is not much to choose from. But, Afano's form and the way United have always stepped up against Chennaiyin in all their previous encounters gives the home side the edge.

Match Facts

Venue: Indira Gandhi Stadium, Guwhati

Capacity: 35,000

Time: 7 pm IST

Last meeting: Chennaiyin FC 1-2 NorthEast United

Head-to-head: Matches: 4, NorthEast wins: 3, Chennai wins: 0

Key Battles:

Nicolas Velez vs John Arne Riise:

The Uruguayan's pace and trickery has foiled many an opponent. In the last season, Velez's best displays was when he came on from the bench. There has been a marked difference in the United forward's endurance levels this season.

In John Arne Riise, Velez is up against a seasoned opponent, and the Norwegian has never looked out of place, even once across the two editions. Velez has his task cut out but current form gives him the edge, and was terrific in helping his side post a win against FC Pune City despite United going down to 10 men early in the game.

Raphael Augusto vs Didier Zokora:

The Brazilian midfielder was was the best player for Chennaiyin by a mile in their previous outing. Augusto's aggressive running, tackling, passing range, and presence in the middle of the park is such a vital cog to the Chennaiyin midfield.

In Didier Zokora, Augusto will meet his match and the Ivorian has been good every time he has stepped out to play. Zokora has been taking advanced positions in midfield, and has been the link between midfield and attack for United. The nature of this battle is expected to play a key role to how the fixture shapes up.

Expected Lineups:

NorthEast United : Subrata Paul (GK), Reagan Singh, Gustavo Lazzaretti, Shouvik Ghosh, Didier Zokora (C), Koffi Christian N’dri, Katsumi Yusa, Rowllin Borges, Holicharan Narzary, Nicolas Velez, Emiliano Alfaro

Chennaiyin FC: Karanjit Singh, Mehrajuddin Wadoo, J. Lalrinzuala, Manuele Blasi, Eli Sabiá, John Arne Riise, Raphael Augusto, Hans Mulder, Davide Succi, Baljit Sahni, Jayesh Rane