Bengaluru hope to bounce back to winning ways in clash against NorthEast

The South Indian outfit are currently second in the league standings, with The Highlanders in third position.

On the back of their first loss this season, Bengaluru FC will be aiming register all three points against a high-flying NorthEast side, who are currently in contention for the playoffs. Eelco Schattorie will be hoping that his side put in another good performance, and beat off competition from the likes of Goa and Jamshedpur, who are also currently aiming for a top-four finish.

Ahead of their encounter, the respective gaffers from both the sides met the media to discuss their plans.

Coach's Corner

Carles Cuadrat (Bengaluru FC)

Bengaluru FC have 27 points from 12 matches, the same as leaders Mumbai City who have played an additional game but have a better goal difference. A win against the Highlanders will help them climb back to the top of the table.

“We are fighting for the title, and at the end of the day, that's what we want the most. We were disappointed to lose out on our unbeaten streak but nobody is going to give us a gift for a record. What we want is to make the play-offs,” said coach Carles Cuadrat.

NorthEast got the better of Chennaiyin FC in their last match, thanks to a stupendous long-range strike by Bartholomew Ogbeche. The Nigerian striker is tied with Ferran Corominas for the Golden Boot race with 10 goals and will once again hold the key.

“Ogbeche, Corominas, (Moudou) Sogou are all fantastic strikers and important players for their teams. We have played a lot of games without Miku, and we've managed to grind out results, so I am very happy,” said Cuadrat.

Eelco Schattorie (NorthEast United)

NorthEast are third on the table with 23 points from 13 games and face a tougher challenge to seal a place in the top-four. They are four points adrift of the league leaders, with the likes of Goa and Jamshedpur breathing down their necks at fourth and fifth spot respectively.

Coach Eelco Schattorie will be looking to take advantage of the points dropped by playoff competitors Goa and Jamshedpur on Monday.

“We should have won in the home game against Bengaluru. We are on the edge of qualifying and we must win. Bengaluru need to win as they are just coming from their first defeat. They should not be worried,” said Schattorie, whose side were denied of a famous win by an injury-time equaliser from Chencho Gyeltshen.

Bengaluru have played possession-based football under Cuadrat but Schattorie’s NorthEast will pose a difficult challenge in midfield. The Highlanders have made the most number of passes this season and only Mumbai have registered more clean sheets than the visitors.

“I’m sure they’ll be well prepared to come back from a defeat. But the issue for Bengaluru is the absence of their main striker, which is not good for any team. But we are lucky that he (Miku) is not playing. It will be a tight game and I’m very excited to see what will happen,” said Schattorie.

 

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Team News

Bengaluru FC

The South Indian outfit go into this match with almost a fully-fit squad. Miku is currently out injured.

NorthEast United

Schattorie will have his entire squad at his disposal.

Probable Lineups

Bengaluru FC

Sandhu (GK), Bheke, Juanan, Serran, Khabra, Paartalu, Delgado, Udanta, Hernandez, Lewis, Chhetri (C).

NorthEast United

Rehenesh (GK), Reagan, Grgic, Komorski, Lalthlamuana, Tlang, Leudo, Borges, Gallego, Khawlhring, Ogbeche (C).

Did You Know?

• NorthEast United have collected 13 points on the road this season, no side has collected more.
• Bengaluru held a record of being unbeaten for 11 games this season, the longest unbeaten run in a single season by any side.
• Bartholomew Ogbeche has been directly involved in four of the last five goals scored by NorthEast United. (three goals, one assist).

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Broadcast

The match will kick-off at 7:30 PM, at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. It will be broadcasted live at Star Sports and streamed at Hotstar, and Jio Tv.