ISL 2023-24: Bengaluru FC aim to bounce back against hosts NorthEast United

NorthEast United have managed to win only twice against Bengaluru FC in the past.

The Indian Super League (ISL) returns to action after a big three week interval due to the international break. NorthEast United FC will also return to their base and host southern rivals Bengaluru FC in Guwahati.

It will be the Highlanders’ fourth home game of the season and they will look to capitalise on their strengths. On that note, let us take a look at how things stand ahead of this crucial game.

The Stakes

NorthEast United FC

The Highlanders have had a pretty good start to their season in comparison to the last couple of seasons. They have certainly exceeded expectations and have pulled off two fine wins at home.

However, their unbeaten run was brought to an end in the last game in Bhubaneswar as Odisha FC handed them a 1-0 defeat. Juan Pedro Benali’s men will look to bounce back come Sunday.

Bengaluru FC

Things haven’t gone as per plan for the Blues. The former champions currently find themselves in the bottom half of the table in the eighth position. They come into this game after a 1-1 draw with Hyderabad FC.

The Blues’ form away from home has been a point of concern as they have managed to accumulate just one point out of four away games. However, they can take inspiration from their better head-to-head record against the Highlanders.

Injury and Team News

Manvir Singh still looks doubtful for NorthEast United while the Blues are expected to have a fully fit squad available for selection.

Head-to-head

Played: 14

NEUFC wins: 2

BFC wins: 8

Draws: 4

Predicted Line-ups

NorthEast United FC (4-3-3)

Mirshad Michu (GK), Dinesh Singh, Asheer Akhtar, Michel Zabaco, Tondonba Singh, Mohammed Ali Bemammer, Phalguni Singh, Romain Philippoteaux, Nestor Albiach, Jithin MS, Parthib Gogoi

Bengaluru FC (4-3-3)

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK), Namgyal Bhutia, Aleksandar Jovanovic, Slavko Damjanovic, Jessel Carneiro, Rohit Kumar, Keziah Veendorp, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Ryan Williams, Sunil Chhetri, Halicharan Narzary

Players to Watch

Parthib Gogoi (NorthEast United FC)

The youngster has been in fine form this season. He has already found the back of the net thrice and is his side’s top scorer this season. He is also the league’s second joint top scorer. Parthib’s pace and the ability to hit bangers is what makes him special and he will look to find the back of the net against the former champions.

Sunil Chhetri (Bengaluru FC)

Chhetri has always been the messiah for the 2018-19 ISL Champions. The Indian skipper has always led the Blues from the front and has produced some brilliant performances over the years. Moreover, Chhetri has a very good track record against NorthEast United and will look to continue the same.

Did You Know?

• NorthEast United have defeated Bengaluru FC only once at home.
• Bengaluru FC have lost three out of their four away games this season.
• NorthEast United have won their last two games at home.

Telecast

The game between NorthEast United FC and Bengaluru FC will be played at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati. The match will kick-off at 8:00 PM IST. It will be broadcasted live on Sports 18 and will also be live streamed on Jio Cinema and One Football.

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