NorthEast United FC vs Bengaluru FC: Key player battles to watch out for in ISL 2026-27 match

Alaeddine Ajaraie & Ryan Williams could make a big difference from their side in this game

The Indian Super League (ISL) action will return to Guwahati as NorthEast United gear up to welcome Bengaluru FC for their fourth league fixture on Friday.

The Highlanders arrive in this game on the back of a disappointing goalless draw in Bhubaneswar, where they had almost secured a win. Meanwhile, the Blues will arrive in Guwahati on the back of two impressive wins at home.

This will be Bengaluru FC’s first away game of the 2026-27 season and they will want to make it count. The fact that both teams are undefeated in the league heading into this game makes the fixture even more interesting.

NorthEast United sit at the peak of the standings with 7 points in three games, while the visitors are ranked fourth with six points and have a game in hand.

On that note, let us take a look at the key player battle that could dictate the outcome of this match.

Alaeddine Ajaraie vs Menno Koch

Alaeddine Ajaraie will certainly be one of the players to keep an eye on heading into this match. The Moroccan striker has enjoyed sensational form in the NorthEast United FC colours across all formats and is a proven match-winner. Ajaraie’s ability to capitalise on defensive mistakes and create gaps with his swift and creative movements will come in very handy for the Highlanders.

Menno Koch will be the man Bengaluru FC will look to contain the pressure from Ajaraie. Koch will need to be very careful and alert to the striker’s movements and stop him from getting into goalscoring positions. The Spanish stalwart will look to use his physical presence and game-reading ability to stop the Moroccan goal machine, and if he manages to do so, Bengaluru FC will have an added advantage on their side.

Antonio Moyano vs Borja Martinez

Antonio Moyano will be up against an in-form Borja Martinez as both players gear up to dictate the midfield battle. Moyano has had a very good season so far for the Highlanders, and the results are there for everyone to see. The 26-year-old will be keen to maintain ball possession, get into dangerous and advanced positions and initiate attacking moves through the middle.

Meanwhile, Borja Martinez will have the responsibility to dictate the midfield terms for the Blues. He has had a terrific season so far with three goal contributions in two matches. Martinez is known for his pinpoint positioning and line-breaking passes. He will want to get the better of Moyano and win the midfield battle and support Bengaluru’s winning cause.

Abdul Rabeeh vs Ryan Williams

Abdul Rabeeh has been one of the best investments ever made by NorthEast United. The young gun has been very impressive for the Highlanders and has racked up a good performance every time he has turned up for them.

Rabeeh is a workhorse and initiates link-up play with the forwards by moving into advanced positions. He will have the responsibility to keep a check on players like Ryan Williams and other forwards.

Ryan Williams, on the other hand, has managed to get off to a good start to this season. Williams has racked up a goal and an assist in two matches and will be ever so motivated to get things back on track.

He is a multi-faceted forward, which is a huge advantage for the Blues because it gives them an edge in the final third. Ryan is one of the best attacking players in the league at the moment, and there’s no doubt that he will present a tough task for the Highlanders.

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