Hero Super Cup 2023: NorthEast United eye grand finale spot against Odisha FC

Odisha FC have already defeated the Highlanders twice this season in the ISL.

NorthEast United FC are all set to take on their eastern rivals Odisha FC in the semi finals of the Hero Super Cup 2023. In what will be considered as a pretty strange and unusual outing by spectators, given the tough groups these two teams were a part of.

Coming off the back of a poor ISL season that saw the Highlanders accumulate the lowest ever points tally in the history of the league, NorthEast have written the most unpredictable script, by winning a group consisting of shield winners Mumbai City FC and Chennaiyin FC. 

Odisha, on the other hand, overcame ISL giants like Hyderabad and East Bengal, and remained unbeaten in their journey to the semis, where they now take on a very altered NorthEast, with both clubs aiming at a first ever appearance in the finals.

The Stakes

NorthEast United FC

Life hasn’t been easy for NorthEast United FC and its supporters this season. The club’s performances in the league were inexplicably poor, and it is unimaginable how much the results in the past few days have meant for the Highlanders. Two big wins against Mumbai City and Churchill were enough to take the Highlanders through. They now have a big task in their hands - to stop a formidable Odisha FC side.

The stakes are higher than ever for the Highlanders, as a maiden place in the final awaits them, and now with a renewed confidence prevailing, the Highlanders have every right to dream for silverware.

Odisha FC

Odisha FC’s historic ISL season continues. After their maiden playoff qualification, the Juggernauts have also reached the semi-finals of the Super Cup. An unbeaten journey in the group stage - that comprised of a draw and two outstanding wins - was more than enough to see Clifford Miranda’s men through to their first-ever semi-final slot, where they now have a task in hand to overcome a reformed NorthEast. 

Saturday’s game poses a big opportunity for Odisha, to go ever so close towards claiming their first-ever trophy, and Clifford Miranda and his men will give their all to come home with silverware.

Injury & Team News

Both sides have fit contingents ahead of the clash.

Head-to-Head

NorthEast United and Odisha FC have locked horns 10 times in the ISL, prior to this encounter.

Odisha FC– 4

NorthEast United – 2

Drawn – 4

Predicted Line-ups

NorthEast United FC (4-3-3)

Mirshad Michu (GK); Tondonba Singh, Mashoor Shereef, Alisher Khulmurodov, Joe Zoherliana; Mohamed Irshad, Joseba Beitia, Gani Nigam; Romain Philippoteaux, Emil Benny, Wilmar Jordan

Odisha FC (4-3-3)

Amrinder Singh; Narender Gahlot, Thoiba Singh, Carlos Delgado, Sahil Panwar; Saul Crespo, Princeton Rebello, Victor Rodriguez; Nandhakumar Sekar, Diego Mauricio, Jerry Mawihmingthanga

Player to Watch

Nandhakumar Sekar (Odisha FC)

Besides Diego Mauricio, if there is one player who has contributed substantially to Odisha's success in the Super Cup so far, it is Nandhakumar. The 27-year-old has been clinical and precise with his attacking duties, which when added with his top draw finishing, can prove to be a matter of concern for the already-scrappy NorthEast defence. 

Also, Nandha can combine with Odisha’s main man Diego, and can cause a lot of difficulties for the Highlanders.

Wilmar Jordan Gill (NorthEast United)

If there is one player who deserves the most amount of plaudits for NorthEast’s qualification, it is Jordan Gill. The Colombian is the top scorer in the Super Cup so far. Jordan’s brace and four-goal haul in the last two games were absolutely crucial in the Highlanders' journey to qualification, and it can be affirmed without a shadow of a doubt, that his performance against Odisha will be decisive in the outcome of the game.

Did You Know?

• History will be created on Saturday, as either one of these two teams, will book a spot in the finals of a national club competition for the very first time.
• Odisha have already defeated the Highlanders twice this season, with scorelines 1-3 and 2-1.
• NorthEast have won back-to-back games for the first time since 26th of February, 2021.

Telecast

The match between NorthEast United and Odisha FC will be played at the Manjeri Payyanad Stadium in Manjeri, Kerala, on Saturday (22nd February). Kick-off time is 7 PM IST. The match will be streamed live on the FanCode app. Moreover, it will also be telecasted on Sony Sports 2.