The team will bank on the Brazilians to achieve the target

NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) has remained the most notable underachiever, failing to cash in on the passion the region brings to the table.

Finishing fifth in the last two seasons, it has done everything but gain the necessary points at the end of the league stage that would ensure its passage to the play-offs.

In the wake of each failure, franchise owner John Abraham has sought redemption by sacking the coaching staff.

The football crazy population have been faithful, filling up the stands in huge numbers at the Indira Gandhi Stadium thus far.

Minimum target

NEUFC is hoping that young Portuguese coach Joao Carlos Pires de Deus will achieve the minimum target of entering the Playoffs.

The 40-year-old tactician, whose best came in coaching the national side of the Cape Verde early in his career, is looking to string together a side that has no stars but presents a good balance.

The team had its pre-season in Turkey where it lost two and drew once against different Iraqi clubs.

Back home, it beat the newly promoted I-League side from Manipur, Neroca FC 2-0.

Good mix

The team has a mix of youth and experience in midfield and attack where the likes of Seiminlen Doungel, Lalrindika Ralte, Malemnganba Meitei and Fanai Lalrempuia will be operating.

Among the other Indian names, the team will be banking on the creative ability of Rowlin Borges, who has been retained from the previous season.

The team has new list of foreigners with de Deus’ brining in the Cape Verde international Odair Fortes to lead the attack.

The team has three Brazilians in midfielders Marcinho and Adilson Goiano while Danilo Cezario is a striker.

Past seasons

2016: Fifth

2015: Fifth

2014: Eighth