NorthEast have found it difficult to breach the opposition defence and score goals. They have netted just two goals so far and they are languishing at ninth position in the league table.
Head coach Joao Carlos Pires de Deus acknowledged that his team needs to score more goals. But the Portuguese emphasised that "it's too early" to predict which four teams will qualify for the business end of the season.
NorthEast United will be without their first choice goalkeeper T P Rehenesh after he received a direct red card in their last game against Kerala Blasters. But more worryingly for Rehenesh, it seems he has lost his coach's confidence.
When asked about his choice of goalkeeper for tomorrow's game, Joao said, "When we started the season, we had three keepers. Obviously TP played the first five because the coach thought he was the best goalkeeper. Now the coach does not think he is the best. Well, now I feel that Ravi Kumar is the best."
Mumbai City will also be without midfielder Sehnaj Singh. The 24-year-old is serving a one-game suspension after having picked up his fourth yellow card of the season last time out.
Head coach Alexandre Guimaraes, however, refused to reveal who will replace Sehnaj for tomorrow's game.
"It's a long night. I still have to think about that," he said.
Having played their last game just three days ago, the Costa Rican tactician did talk about their long travels and tough competition this season.
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