Bengaluru FC vs NorthEast United FC, lineups, team news, prediction & preview

The Blues face a stern test at the Sree Kanteerava as they face an in-form Highlanders side.

Looking to bounce back after their first loss, league leaders Bengaluru FC will be hosting NorthEast United FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in match week 8. The Blues will have a point to prove after their humbling at the hands of Manolo Marquez and FC Goa in a 3-0 loss.

The match at the Fatorda Stadium was an early-season shocker against an out-of-form Goa side, where the Blues were the favorites for all three points.

While head coach Gerard Zaragoza and his squad would have become a little callous ahead of the Goa game, the game against NorthEast United FC will be a challenge they will not take lightly this time around.

The Stakes

Bengaluru FC

While Bengaluru FC succumbed to their first defeat of the season, their recent form is nothing to look down upon, especially at the Sree Kanteerava. In 4 home games this season, the Blues have scored eight goals and haven’t conceded a single goal this season. Edgar Mendez, Sunil Chhetri, and Jorge Pereyra Diaz have led from the front and players like Nikhil Poojary and Rahul Bheke have solidified the defense this season.

A slight concern would be for their goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who had a night to forget against the Gaurs. A win for Bengaluru would be a good way for Zaragoza and his men to put the ghastly memories of Goa behind them. The Blues have had good memories playing the Highlanders and will be looking forward to that challenge once again.

NorthEast United FC

Meanwhile, NorthEast United FC comes into the match fresh off a thrilling 3-2 win against Odisha FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati. The Highlanders have bounced back in style with back-to-back wins in their last two games under head coach Juan Pedro Benali. The game against Bengaluru FC might be coming at an apt time for the Highlanders and Benali, who will be keen to pile on more misery on Bengaluru.

For NorthEast United FC, a victory would not only boost their points tally but also send a clear message of intent to contend for top honors this season. While going head-to-head against his fellow Spaniard Zaragoza hasn’t turned out great for Benali, he and his men will be smelling blood in the water this time around.

Injury and Team News

The Gaurs and the Blues are expected to field a fully fit XI for the upcoming game.

Head-to-head

Matches Played – 16

Bengaluru FC Wins – 8

NorthEast United FC Wins – 2

Draws – 6

Predicted Lineups

Bengaluru FC (4-4-2)

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK); Chinglensana Singh, Aleksandar Jovanovic, Rahul Bheke, Naorem Roshan Singh; Rohit Danu, Alberto Noguera, Pedro Capo, F Lalremtluanga; Edgar Mendez, Sunil Chhetri

NorthEast United FC (4-2-3-1)

Gurmeet Singh (GK); Dinesh Singh, Asheer Akhtar, Michel Zabaco, Tondonba Singh; Hamza Regragui, Mayakkannan Muthu; Jithin MS, Nestor Albiach, Parthib Gogoi; Alaeddine Ajaraie

Players to watch

Edgar Mendez (Bengaluru FC)

Mendez continues to be the man in form for Bengaluru and is coming on the back of a wounded performance against FC Goa. The Spaniard will be keen to rekindle his form against the Highlanders. Mendez has been capitalizing on the defensive lapses in opponents this season and has showcased his poaching prowess and eye for goal for Bengaluru this season.

The Highlanders will be looking to keep him in check if they hope to upset all the odds and win all three points. Coach Benali and his coaching staff will have to lock down the Spaniard and hope he continues to remain cold against them.

Parthib Gogoi (NorthEast United FC)

The 21-year-old is in red-hot form and has been a revelation under Benali this season. In 6 appearances this season, Gogoi has pitched in 2 goals and 2 assists this season. He has been a spark in attack that the Highlanders were searching for this season and adds a lot of flair, energy and attacking threat to their frontline.

Gogoi has made a name for himself with his quick movements and pace making him a walking headache for any defender. The former U-23 India international will be looking to make a bigger impact against the Blues at the Sree Kanteerava.

Did You Know?

• Bengaluru FC have won 4 games this season. The Blues remain unbeaten at home this season with Punjab FC being the only other team.
• Bengaluru FC scores 1.2 goals in a match against NorthEast United FC while NorthEast United FC scores 1 goal in a match against Bengaluru FC (on average).
• Bengaluru FC have won seven games in a row at home.

Telecast

The match between Bengaluru FC and NorthEast United FC will take place at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Friday, 8th November 2024. It will kick off at 7:30 PM IST.

The match will be shown live on Sports 18 and be available for streaming on Jio Cinema. International viewers can also watch the match on the OneFootball app.

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