The Matchday 21 of the Hero Indian Super League will see two of the three unbeaten sides take on each other. A confident Bengaluru FC takes on a defensively disciplined Northeast United FC.
Blast from the past :
The last time around when these two sides met each other was back in December 2019. Due to all the chaos and unrest, a closed-door affair saw the Blues clinch 3 points against a ‘Gyan less’ Northeast United FC in Guwahati.
Bengaluru FC :
The former ISL Champions haven’t had a great start to their campaign. They lost a 2-0 lead in the second half against FC Goa and played a goalless draw against a new looking Hyderabad FC. The Blues come into this tie with a win against their southern rivals Chennaiyin FC courtesy of a second-half spot-kick by Sunil Chhetri. Bengaluru FC currently sits in the fifth spot with 5 points to their name. The Sunil Chhetri-led side will try and improve their quality in the final third of the pitch as they are yet to score a goal from open play. Carles Cuadrat’s men are known for their defensive prowess and will hope that his team comes out on top against the Highlanders.
“It’s going to be a very tactical match because they are a very well-organized team. So, it will be interesting to see how we face the match and what we might do to try and get the three points,” said Carles Cuadrat during the Pre Match Press Conference.
Northeast United FC :
Northeast United FC is enjoying a good kickstart to their campaign and they do deserve all the credit for the hard yards they have put in. A win against their new neighbors SC East Bengal in their last outing gave the Highlanders a great momentum going into this clash. The Highlanders have already shocked some of the favorites this season and have also proved that possession is just a number. Northeast has had an average of 41% of possession in all the games they have played so far. Gerard Nus and his men will need to be at their best when they face the Blues of Bengaluru. They possess one of the most robust backlines this season. The Highlanders attacking contingent looks good as they have netted 6 goals in 4 matches this season. Gerard Nus will hope his team comes out all guns blazing against Bengaluru FC.
“We’re gonna put everything we have.
We’re are gonna fight from the first minute until the last and I am sure we’re gonna be ready for the challenge no matter what.” added Gerard Nus during the Pre Match Press Conference.
Battles to watch out for :
Lalengmawia vs Suresh Wangjam
This one’s between the future of Indian Football.
Lalengmawia has been tremendous for Northeast United FC this season. The young lad has formed a great partnership with Khassa Camara in the middle of the park.
He even became the youngest ever player to captain a side against FC Goa.
On the other hand, Suresh Singh Wangjam has also been a key part of Carles Cuadrat’s system. The former India U-16 Captian even won the Hero of the Match award in his last appearance for the Blues.
It will be interesting to see which of these young guns help their teams get the 3 points tonight.
Cleiton Silva vs Dylan Fox
The Brazilian forward comes with a goal scoring pedigree and has already scored a goal for the Blues of Bengaluru. His performance of the wings will surely determine the Blue’s performance going into this tie.
For Northeast United, Dylan Fox has always stood tall no matter who the opposition is. The Australian-Irish center-back will have a huge role to play in tonight’s game.
Probable Starting XI :
Bengaluru FC: Gurpreet, Juanan, Fran, Khabra,
Erik, Suresh, Ashique, Udanta, Silva, Opseth, Chhetri
Northeast United FC: Gurmeet, Ashutosh, Fox, Lambot, Gurjinder, Lalrempuia, Camara, Gallego, Rochherzela, Appiah, Ninthoi
