NorthEast United Vs East Bengal Preview: Highlanders look to climb up

The Red and Gold are yet to register a win this season after losing the first two games.

NorthEast United are set to face SC East Bengal in their fourth match of the season at Tilak Maidan on Saturday. The Highlanders have had a bright start to the campaign and are still unbeaten in their three games so far, but unfortunately the same cannot be said about their opposition for the night. East Bengal have had a tough start to their first season in the Indian Super League (ISL), losing both the games they have played so far.

The Stakes

NorthEast United couldn’t have hoped for a better start to their season, especially when you consider the quality of the opposition they have faced till now. With one win and two draws the Highlanders have gathered five points from their first three games, which saw them beat title contenders Mumbai City FC and comeback from two goals down to draw 2-2 against Kerala Blasters. Both their strikers are off the mark and each has two goals from three games. The Highlanders will go into Saturday’s clash full of confidence, especially considering the lack of form of their opponents.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkIZFREhq3g

East Bengal, on the other hand, have had a far from ideal start to the season. The debutants of the league have lost both of their games till now and have conceded five goals. The two losses included a Kolkata Derby defeat against rivals ATK Mohun Bagan. Moreover, they were totally outplayed in their second match against Mumbai City. Things will have to change for this legendary club, as they remain the only team in the league yet to get off the mark in the points table.

Team News

Apart from goalkeeper Subhasish Roy Chowdhury, who was substituted at half-time in the last game and remains a doubt, NorthEast United coach Gerard Nus will have a full squad to select from. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbRyRxeyo9w

Defender Danny Fox was substituted early in the first half after he picked up an injury, while Loken Meitei will undergo a few scans. Meanwhile, Aaron Amadi-Holloway is on route to recovery and should be available soon as indicated by Fowler. All eyes will be on star Indian forward Jeje Lalpekhlua. He finally made his first appearance of the season when he came on as a second half substitute against Mumbai City FC and it is to be seen if coach Robbie Fowler believes he is fit enough to start the game against NorthEast United.

Head-to-Head

The two clubs have never played against each other and this will be their first competitive meeting.

Probable Lineups

NorthEast United: Gurmeet (GK); Ashutosh, Gurjinder, Lambot, Fox; Camara, Lalengmawia, Meetei, Machado, Fanai; Appiah

SC East Bengal: Debjit (GK); Neville, Rafique, Irshad, Narayan; Angousana, Steinmann, Surchandra, Maghoma, Pilkington; Balwant

Man to Watch

Khassa Camara (NorthEast United)

NorthEast United have been happy to sit back and hit teams on the counter. This tactic has worked for the Highlanders and one of the main reasons for this have been the performance of Khassa Camara in midfield. 

The Mauritanian midfielder breaks up the opposition’s play in the middle of the park and then sets his team away on the counter-attack. If East Bengal are to disrupt NorthEast United’s  style of play then they will have to make sure that Camara isn’t allowed to have his way.

Jacques Maghoma (SC East Bengal)

Maghoma again put in a decent display against Mumbai City, despite the terrible result. East Bengal need to score goals in order to climb up the table and to do that they will depend on Maghoma’s creativity. He completed 25 passes, with a passing accuracy of 89% against Mumbai.

Did You Know?

• This is the first season where NorthEast United are unbeaten in their first three games.
• East Bengal are the only team in the Indian Super League who are yet to score a goal.
• This will be the first ever meeting between NorthEast United and SC East Bengal.

Telecast

The match between Mumbai City FC and SC East Bengal is set to be telecast live on Star Sports 1 SD and HD, Star Sports 2 SD and HD (English), Star Sports Hindi 1 SD & HD, Star Sports 3 and several other regional languages. Live streaming of the match will be available on Hotstar and Jio TV.