ISL 2023-24: Odisha FC, NorthEast United aim to build momentum

NorthEast United have never won against Odisha FC in Bhubaneswar in the ISL.

The Indian Super League (ISL 2023-24) is underway with its Gameweek 6 and will see NorthEast United FC make a trip to Bhubaneswar to take on Odisha FC. it will be the last game for both sides before we go into the international break.

It’s going to be an entertaining clash as both sides come into the game on the back of comeback wins in their last game. On that note, let us take a look at how things stand ahead of this ISL clash.

The Stakes

Odisha FC

The Juggernauts come into the game on the back of a highly motivating comeback win over Bengaluru FC. They were 2-0 down in the first half, but they managed to pull off a 3-2 win at the end of the game.

They have been in really good form even though the table doesn’t reflect that. Odisha FC have scored first in all their five games, but have managed to win two and draw one while the other two games ended in a defeat. 

NorthEast United

The Highlanders finally managed to get back to winning back after a couple of draws away from home. They put up a brilliant show against Jamshedpur FC at home last week and pulled off a fine 2-1 victory.

They now find themselves in fourth position on the table with eight points to their name. NorthEast United have scored first in three of their five games, but have managed to win just one while the other two games ended in a draw. 

Injury & Team News

Odisha FC are expected to have a fully fit squad available for selection while Manvir Singh will miss the game for NorthEast United. Nestor Albiach is now back in the squad for the Highlanders.

Head-to-Head

Both sides have played each other eight times in the ISL. Odisha FC have the upper hand as they’ve won five games while NorthEast United have only won twice. The other game ended in a draw.

Total matches – 8

Odisha FC wins – 5

NorthEast United wins – 2

Draws – 1

Predicted Line-Up

Odisha FC (4-3-3)

Amrinder Singh (GK), Amey Ranawade, Mourtada Fall, Carlos Delgado, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Ahmed Jahouh, Puitea, Isak Vanlalruatfela, Aniket Jadhav, Michael Soosairaj, Diego Mauricio

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

Players to watch

Puitea (Odisha FC)

The young midfielder has been in top form ever since making a move to Bhubaneswar. He is one of Sergio Lobera’s most trusted lieutenants and has dropped in great performances. Puitea scored a brilliant goal in their last game against Bengaluru FC. The young lad is high on confidence and will be keen to perform even better against his former side come Friday.

Michel Zabaco (NorthEast United FC)

The Spaniard has been a reckoning force at the back for the Highlanders. He has kept things very solid, calm and composed at the back. Zabaco has won two back-to-back man of the match awards for his brilliant displays for NorthEast United. Moreover, he scored an all important equalizer for the Highlanders in the last game.

Did You Know?

• Odisha FC have won the last four games against NorthEast United
• NorthEast United have never won against Odisha FC in Bhubaneswar
• Odisha FC have dropped eight points this season while NorthEast United have dropped five

Telecast

The kick-off for the Odisha FC vs Bengaluru FC game is at 8:00 PM IST on 3 November 2023. The match will be played at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The live broadcast and live streaming of the game will be available on the Sports18 Network (Sports18 1 Channel/VH1 Channel) and JioCinema app, respectively. Viewers from abroad can watch the game on OneFootball.

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