East Bengal FC will host NorthEast United FC on the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on December 4, Monday, of their fixture within the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24. Multiple coaches this season have harassed on the bridging hole between success at house and away encounters within the ISL. However, the Highlanders discover themselves caught in the midst of a precarious place in the mean time.
They haven’t received in any of their final 20 away video games (D 5, L 15), which is the longest such streak for any workforce in ISL historical past. In a season when they’re placing block after block to encourage resurgence, Juan Pedro Benali and his gamers shall be desperate to set this report straight in opposition to the Red & Gold Brigade.
They come into this sport after holding Bengaluru FC to a gritty 1-1 draw at house. For a workforce that received solely as soon as in 20 video games final season, NorthEast United FC shall be happy by discovering themselves within the prime-six spots having performed seven video games of their present marketing campaign. The new guard has come to the fore properly, and Benali shall be edging to inch nearer to the highest of the desk with every passing sport.
They will fancy going through East Bengal FC, who began the season brightly, nevertheless it’s been over two months since they final received a sport within the league, i.e. in opposition to Hyderabad FC by 2-1 on September 30. Their final match was a 1-1 draw in opposition to Chennaiyin FC. Over the previous few video games they’ve missed out capitalising on good begins, which has resulted in them dropping 13 factors off a attainable 18 on this marketing campaign.
What’s at stake?
East Bengal FC
Carles Cuadrat is aware of that he has taken over a workforce that has secured sensational assist from their passionate followers.
They had been actually inspired with the Spaniard’s arrival after some troublesome outings in the previous few seasons. East Bengal FC have put up a greater on-area present this season, undoubtedly, however Cuadrat is a confirmed ISL winner and he is aware of that it’s of utmost significance for such performances to translate into constructive outcomes on the finish of the video games.
There are sure points that want fixing of their backline, and when it comes to in-sport administration in order that they handle to carry on to leads and never succumb to late hurdles. NorthEast United FC have received three factors, due to targets after the seventy fifth minute mark this season, and it is a indisputable fact that the house workforce must be cautious of within the coming fixture.
Their frontline is establishing properly, having discovered the again of the web in every of the final three video games. With the likes of Naorem Mahesh Singh, Nandhakumar Sekar, and Cleiton Silva stepping up off late, some defensive consolidation might plug all holes and lead to excellent news for the workforce.
NorthEast United FC
The Highlanders have a win, a draw, and a loss every of their final three ISL fixtures. To be honest, a brand new squad requires ample time to settle in, and preliminary hiccups are nearly a given in such circumstances. Regardless of that, they’ve averted defeats most frequently and grabbed the well timed win, thus making certain that they’re on the upper finish of the desk.
A win in opposition to East Bengal FC offers them an opportunity to report their finest ever begin to an ISL season since 2018-19, once they had notched 5 victories after the identical variety of video games. To give some context, they’d made it to the semi-ultimate in that season, and an eventual results of an analogous sort might solely develop into an encouraging end result for them.
They maintain a formidable report in opposition to East Bengal FC, having been unbeaten in 5 out of their final six encounters in opposition to them. Will that propel them to deliver curtains all the way down to their 4-yr-lengthy drought of an away win? Monday will reply the question.
Key Players
Naorem Mahesh Singh (East Bengal FC)
With two targets in six matches, Naorem Mahesh Singh has come up as a bankable attacking useful resource for Cuadrat. He is able to making sharp runs from the flank and even working proper down the center, tapping upon low crosses and deliveries coming from the wing, particularly by Nandhakumar.
The former Odisha FC star has assisted each strikes by Mahesh on this marketing campaign, and their operation in tandem shall be important for the Red & Gold Brigade to seek out breakthroughs within the NorthEast United FC defence. The Highlanders have conceded as soon as on a median per sport on this marketing campaign, whereas East Bengal FC have netted as soon as on a median in ISL 2023-24. So, one can count on a low-scoring thriller and Mahesh shall be vital in changing any probabilities coming East Bengal’s manner.
Nestor Albiach (NorthEast United FC)
The NorthEast United FC participant has been an imposing presence within the entrance, contesting 7.2 aerial duels per match. He has additionally received 3.8 of them on a median in each sport, which is the very best for any participant who has contested over 10 of these duels on this season.
In addition to that, Nestor Albiach has scored and assisted as soon as throughout his six appearances within the league. Nestor is somebody who offers it his all to win the unfastened balls, however is an equally succesful artistic power with the ball at his ft. His eye for a defence-splitting move coupled with the dexterity with which he controls the ball in tight areas makes him a power to reckon with.
Head-to-Head
Played – 6
East Bengal FC – 1
NorthEast United FC – 3
Draws –2
Trivia: A win on this match will make Naorem Mahesh Singh the participant with most wins with East Bengal FC in ISL historical past. He is at the moment tied with Ankit Mukherjee (8).
Team Talk
“We have 26 players; we have to find a solution. Everybody is ready to play and I think whoever will play instead of Mohammed Ali Bemammer will do his job well,” NorthEast United FC head coach Juan Pedro Benali addressed the absence of his star midfielder on this match. The 34-yr-previous Moroccan might have been instrumental in breaking the East Bengal FC momentum on the centre, having received the possession 62 occasions within the center and defensive half to this point this season.
“We have to take advantage of the next two games to try to get points at home. In one week, we have the opportunity to be here next Sunday with six more points. That makes a big difference,” East Bengal FC head coach Carles Cuadrat touched upon the significance of this match for his workforce.
