Panaji
Bengaluru FC will welcome NorthEast United FC to the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Friday at 7:30 PM for a highly anticipated Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 match. Both teams are in strong form, making this a key fixture in the battle for top positions.
Bengaluru FC are currently leading the ISL table with 16 points from seven matches, having secured five wins and one draw. However, their unbeaten six-match run was recently ended by a 3-0 loss to FC Goa. Despite this setback, Bengaluru’s head coach Gerard Zaragoza remains confident in his team's ability to bounce back. The team has been solid in defense, winning their last four home games without conceding a goal. If they manage to keep a clean sheet against NorthEast United, it will be their fifth consecutive home shutout, an impressive feat in the league. Zaragoza emphasized the importance of consistent improvement and adaptation, praising NorthEast United’s improved squad and tactical ability under coach Benali.
Winger Ryan Williams also shared his thoughts on the upcoming match, acknowledging the pressure of being at the top of the table. "Teams want to come and defeat you, but we are top for a reason," he said. Williams, who has been sidelined due to injury, expressed his frustration at not being able to play, but remains committed to supporting his teammates.
NorthEast United, currently in sixth place with 11 points, have been one of the league’s most potent attacking sides, scoring 17 goals so far. Their latest win came in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Odisha FC. However, coach Benali has acknowledged the need for improvement in defense, as the team has conceded goals in recent matches.
NorthEast’s away form has also been a concern, with just two wins in their last 31 away games. They will need to shore up their defense and continue their high-pressure style to have any chance against the league leaders.
Key Players to watch out:
Alaaeddine Ajaraie (NorthEast United FC)
- 13 goal contributions this season: 9 goals, 4 assists
- 2 away from breaking Bartholomew Ogbeche’s record of 14 goal contributions (2018-19)
- Dynamic skill set, fan favorite, and key player in attack.
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (Bengaluru FC)
- 1 clean sheet away from reaching 50 clean sheets in the ISL
- Crucial to Bengaluru’s strong defensive record this season.
Jithin MS (NorthEast United FC)
- 3 assists this season
- +2.18 expected assists (xA) differential, 2nd highest in the league
- Strong link-up play with Ajaraie, boosting NorthEast’s attack.
Team insights & highlights:
Bengaluru FC at Home
- 4-match winning streak with clean sheets in each victory
- A 5th consecutive clean sheet would make ISL history.
NorthEast United’s Attack
- 17 goals in 7 matches, the highest in the league
- Away form remains a challenge.
Head-to-Head
- Bengaluru FC has won 8 of 16 encounters against NorthEast United
- NorthEast United has won only 2, with 6 matches ending in draws.
