NorthEast United host Bengaluru FC in their maiden semi-final clash

Published at :March 6, 2019 at 6:59 PM

Modified at :March 6, 2019 at 6:59 PM

The Highlanders have never won against the Blues in four head-to-head meetings so far.

NorthEast United FC will want to make their historic appearance in the semi-final of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) count. For five years, NorthEast struggled to break into the top four. They came close twice, and now that they have finally joined the elite teams, everyone is wondering what coach Eelco Schattorie has up his sleeve as they face Bengaluru FC in the first play-off at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium here on Thursday.

Bengaluru FC have been the outstanding team for the second successive year. Despite an indifferent second half, Bengaluru still topped the league table. NorthEast United managed to grab the fourth spot, so do they have it in them to topple the favourites?

Coach's Corner

Eelco Schattorie (NorthEast United)

“They’re (Bengaluru FC) a fantastic club. I think that they are the best club in India. That means we will be facing good players. We played them twice and both times we played really well. They got away here in the last minute of extra time. In their home, we should have won,” said Schattorie.

NorthEast were indeed the better team when they hosted Bengaluru in Guwahati during the league stage. They almost tasted victory, until Chencho Gyletshen played spoilsport with an equaliser in added time. Away in Bengaluru, NorthEast were unlucky not to pocket a point.

Now, Schattorie will have to plot something unusual.

“I think the last 10-12 games, I’m trying to fit a puzzle and I’m frustrated. We have only 16 players, we got another red card in the last game and we have some other issues. I wish I had a little more choice going into this game,” he said.

Carles Cuadrat (Bengaluru FC)

It was a second-string team that lost heavily to Jamshedpur FC in Bengaluru’s last league game and Carles Cuadrat will not be too bothered by the loss. They still managed to finish top of the league and Cuadrat is aware that it all counts for nothing if they do not make it through the play-offs.

“NorthEast have their weapons and so do we. Everyone tells me we had some problems against them, but they got one point and we got four. It will be a good game with a lot of passion, which is great for football,” said Cuadrat.

On form and past record, Bengaluru will be the favourites but Cuadrat knows he cannot take anything for granted.

“We have got 74 points in two league campaigns (2017-18 and 2018-19) and the next team on the list is FC Goa with 64 points. But I have to tell you that it counts for nothing if we lose in the play-offs or the final. That is the rule of the competition and we accept that,” said the Spanish coach.

NorthEast United have never won against Bengaluru FC in four head-to-head clashes while Bengaluru have notched three wins. The Highlanders will have to beat the best if they are to inch closer to the trophy.

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Team News

NorthEast United

TP Rehenesh, Rupert Nongrum and Pawan Kumar (defender) are currently injured. 21-year-old Provat Lakra has joined India U-23 preparation camp in Goa's Tilak Maidan. Gurwinder Singh is suspended.

Bengaluru FC

Erik Paartalu is out for the season due to injury. Gursimrat Singh Gill is suspended.

Probable Lineups

NorthEast United

Gurmeet (GK), Reagan, Ghosh, Rivas, Keegan, Borges, Kadam, Gallego, Lalthathanga, Triadis, Ogbeche.

Bengaluru FC

Sandhu (GK), Serran, Juanan, Rino, Bheke, Delgado, Khabra, Udanta, Xisco, Chhetri, Miku.

Did You Know?

The hosts have scored 22 goals this season, and conceded 18.
Bengaluru have scored 29 goals, and conceded 22.
NEUFC's Ogbeche has scored 12 goals in 17 outings.

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Broadcast

The match will kick-off at 7:30 PM, at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, on 7th March 2019. It will be broadcasted by Star Sports, and live streamed by Hotstar and Jio TV.