Preview: Odisha FC, NorthEast United eye entry into top four

The Juggernauts are fifth, while the Highlanders are struggling in eighth place.

Odisha FC would like to bounce back after their first defeat of the season against Kerala Blasters with a win against NorthEast United. On the other hand, NorthEast will come into this match on a bit of a high, after they got their first victory of the season with a 2-1 win against FC Goa.

On this note, here is Khel Now’s preview for the Odisha FC Vs NortEast United FC clash:

The Stakes

Odisha FC

After a brilliant start to their season, which saw them win the first two games, the Juggernauts faced their first defeat against Kerala Blasters. After their defeat, the team from Bhubaneswar sit fifth in the points table, with six points from three games. Odisha FC would like to regain their winning momentum with a win against the Highlanders.

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NorthEast United

NorthEast United are a far cry from what they were last season. The Highlanders haven’t had the best of starts after gaining just one point from their first three fixtures. The team from Guwahati got their first win of the season in their last match against FC Goa.

NorthEast United are currently eighth in the points table, with four points from as many games. The Highlanders will like to gain ground on the top four with a win against Odisha in their next match.

Team News

For Odisha FC, defender Hector Rodas looks doubtful with an ankle injury. He was subbed off in the last game. Kiko Ramirez also revealed that forward Jonathas de Jesus is still recovering from his injury. He has resumed training, but the NorthEast United game will be a little too early for him, said the Odisha boss.

NorthEast have been plagued with injuries with Federico Gallego ruled out for the remainder of the season. Forward Deshorn Brown came on for the final 15 minutes against FC Goa and is still far from full fitness.

Head-to-Head

Odisha FC and NorthEast United have faced each other four times in the ISL and the latter lead the H2H record with two wins. The Juggernauts won once, while another game ended in a draw. Last season, the Highlanders came out 3-1 winners in the second meeting after the first had ended in a 2-2 stalemate.

Overall, when you take matches against erstwhile Delhi Dynamos into account, they have faced each other 14 times, with NorthEast United slightly ahead with five wins. Odisha FC (and Delhi Dynamos) won four times, while five matches resulted in draws.

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Probable Lineups

Odisha FC (4-2-3-1): Kamaljit Singh (GK); Hendry Antonay, Victor Mongil, Gaurav Bora, Lalruatthara; Thoiba Singh, Vinit Rai; Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Javi Hernandez, Isak Vanlalruatfela; Aridai Cabrera.

NorthEast United (4-3-3): Subhasish Chowdhury (GK); Provat Lakra, Hernan Santana, Patrick Flottman, Gurjinder Kumar; Sehna Singhj, Khassa Camara, Mathias Coureur, Roccharzela, Lalkhawpuimawia, VP Suhair.

Man to watch

Javi Hernandez (Odisha FC)

The Spaniard has been a revelation for the Juggernauts. Hernandez has already scored three in three games and looks to either creating chances or is at the end of chances to score goals.

Add to that, his deadly set-piece ability and you have a player that can worry any defence. The Highlanders' defenders and coaching team will have to be wary about the threat of Javi Hernandez.

Khassa Camara (NorthEast United)

If Odisha can keep this NorthEast United midfielder quiet in the middle of the park, they will have one hand on the three points against the Highlanders. Khassa Camara is NorthEast’s midfield maestro, as all the Highlanders’ attack goes through him.

The 29-year-old can also unleash some deadly shots from outside the box, which FC Goa found out the hard way in their last match. Odisha FC have to make sure the Mauritanian does not get to run things in midfield in their match against NorthEast United.

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Did you know?

• Two wins in three matches means this is Odisha FC’s best start to an ISL season
• This is the first time NorthEast United have failed to win any one of their first three fixtures.
• NorthEast United coach Khalid Jamil is the only Indian coach to guide a team to the ISL playoffs.

Telecast

The clash between Odisha FC and NorthEast United will take place on Friday, December 10. The kick-off will be at 7:30 pm (IST). The Star Sports Network will live telecast the game, while live streaming will be available on the Disney+Hotstar platform and the Jio TV app.

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