NorthEast looking to turn around season against rejuvenated Hyderabad

Vasco (Goa), Jan 7 : NorthEast United will hope to turn their Indian Super League (ISL) season back on track when they face a rejuvenated Hyderabad FC at the Tilak Maidan Stadium here on Friday.
After a bright start to the season, going unbeaten in the first six games, the Highlanders have slipped from the top four after a few underwhelming results. Gerard Nus’ side are on a five-match winless streak, having suffered two defeats.
The contest will see a matchup between two sides which finished at the bottom of the table last season. Both sides, however, are in contention for the playoffs this season and there’s not much to separate them with seventh-placed NorthEast just a point below their opponents.
But NorthEast can seek inspiration from their opponents, who also underwent a poor run. Following three successive defeats, Hyderabad bounced back with a thumping 4-1 victory against Chennaiyin, despite talismanic striker Aridane Santana, who has been their top scorer with five goals, not getting on the scoresheet.
Nus is aware that when his side takes on HFC, they will have to focus not just on Santana. “We know they are good with the ball and that they score goals in many ways,” Nus said.
“They score a lot from set-pieces and Aridane is always a threat. He’s got a great goal-scoring record from last season as well and this year, he has scored five. He is a big guy but they have so many other players in the attack. We have to be at our best to know how to manage them and create chances and put the ball in the net,” he added.