NorthEast United FC Eyes Playoff Spot with Crucial Clash Against Chennaiyin FC:

The Head Coach’s mantra of taking it slow in his stride, so to speak, was accompanied by a massive twinkle of hope when it looked like NorthEast United FC’s campaign for this season was barely salvaged. The Highlanders presently stand on the brink of playoff qualification and with regard to the current ongoing outstanding performance along with the score of 32 points collected from 22 matches in total, it seems fully achievable with a win against Chennaiyin FC on Monday.

Assistant coach Moosa, who has taken the forefront of this game in place of the Spaniard who had to get suspended, certainly should know the task that lies ahead for the team to qualify for the Indian Super League for the third time in the club's history.

"Chennai doesn’t have anything to lose. So, we need to ensure we control our emotions and don’t get distracted. And, more importantly, we play good football. We need to stick to what we agreed upon and give everything until the final whistle and the score will look after itself," Moosa told the press in Guwahati on Saturday prior to boarding the flight to Chennai.

Once again, a lot will depend on the shoulders of Alaaeddine Ajaraie as he is likely to finish as the topscorer this season with his tally of 20. He has opened his account in the first leg against a Chennaiyin side that sits at tenth place in ISL and the Moroccan will be looking to score more in the other leg as well.

“Every player knows the importance of the game, we (coaching staff) don’t have to tell them. During the training, we are able to see how they are really focused. They are eager to go out there and win and we can see that,” Moosa said.

The last remaining home game of the season will see hosts Chennaiyin hope to extend their winning streak against the Highlanders, which has seen them victorious in the last three meetings. The hosts will look to finish off the season strong in their final two games of the campaign.

While revealing what he needs from his team, head coach Owen Coyle pointed out the Marina Machans’ long-term goals.

“Winning against East Bengal, Punjab, and Bengaluru has allowed us to complete a good display of us winning strong Coyle said on Sunday. ‘It is much more worthwhile to fight for supremacy in the games that are ahead, while ensuring that we finish in as many points as possible for when the Super Cup comes around.’”

The match intrigues the audience, especially after the previous games in the leagues saw an insane amount of goal action between all of the teams at an average scoreline of 3-2, 4-3, and 7-3 markedly looking like absolute starts treating spectators to brilliant glimpses of the beautiful game.