Preview: NorthEast United, East Bengal eye first win of the season

The teams are placed 10th and 11th, respectively.

The ninth edition of India’s top flight football league is now up and running. After a couple of  gameweeks in the 2022-23 Indian Super League (ISL), the action now shifts to Gameweek 3 that will see a lot of high-stake clashes. On October 20, NorthEast United FC will host East Bengal at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati for the first time in the ISL 2022-23. It will be a clash between the bottom two sides of the table who’re hopeful of a turnaround in their fortunes.

Let us take a look at what the game has to offer.

The Stakes

NorthEast United FC

The Highlanders have got off to a forgetful clash and are yet to add a point to their tally and even score a goal in the 2022-23 season. They began their season with an unlucky defeat to Bengaluru FC where the referee deprived them of a goal and a point.

In the last game, they were completely outplayed by the defending champions Hyderabad FC despite registering some good display for most parts of the game. Well, the good news for the Highlanders is that head coach Marco Balbul will be back at the sidelines for this must win clash.

East Bengal

Things aren’t very good with East Bengal either. They’ve displayed good football, but small moments of brilliances from their opponents took the games away from them, specially in their second fixture.

They began their season with a 3-1 defeat to Kerala Blasters in Kochi. Stephen Constantine’s side were then handed their second defeat of the season in the hands of FC Goa with an injury-time winner. They’ve scored two goals and conceded five and just like NorthEast United, are yet to get a point.

Team News

NorthEast United FC will miss out on the services of Provat Lakra due to an injury while Alex Lima and Eliandro are unfit for East Bengal.

Head-to-Head

Both teams have faced each other four times in the ISL. NorthEast United have won three games while the reverse fixture of last season ended in a draw.

Probable Line-ups

NorthEast United: Arindam Bhattacharya; Mohamed Irshad, Gaurav Bora, Michael Jakobsen, Gurjinder Kumar; Jon Gaztanaga, Emanuel Lalchhanchhuaha, Imran Khan; Romain Philippoteaux, Matt Derbyshire, Jithin MS.

East Bengal: Kamaljit Singh; Sarthak Golui, Lalchungnunga, Ivan Gonzalez, Jerry Lalrinzuala; Sumeet Passi, Jordan O'Doherty, Souvik Chakrabarti, Tuhin Das; VP Suhair, Cleiton Silva.

Man to Watch

Jon Gaztanaga (NorthEast United)

The Spaniard has become an ever present figure in the NEUFC midfield. He’s got the intent, skills and technique to execute his plans to perfection. Jon is a versatile player and can adjust himself according to the needs of his team. He maintains a good balance of attack and defence in NEUFC’s approach towards a game. 

Cleiton Silva (East Bengal)

Cleiton is Stephen Constantine’s most trusted lieutenant when it comes to scoring goals. Silva opened his account in the last game with a spot kick and will be raring to add a few more to his tally. He’s one of the most experienced personnel in the team and is therefore the leader of the East Bengal forward line. Moreover, the Brazilian's exploits from last season will urge the NEUFC defence to keep a check on him.

Did You Know?

• NorthEast United are undefeated against East Bengal in the ISL ever since their debut.
• NorthEast United have scored seven goals in the four matches against East Bengal while the Red & Golds have scored only two.
• VP Suhair, while at NorthEast United, had three goal contributions in four games against his current team.

Telecast

The match between NorthEast United and East Bengal will take place at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati, on October 20. The kick-off time is at 7:30 pm IST. The match will be telecasted live on the Star Sports Network. Disney+HotStar and JioTV will also stream the match.