The 2018-19 edition of Hero Indian Super League (ISL) has been an intriguing spectacle with many boisterous goals scored and loud celebrations done for. However, the competition has reached its business end with NorthEast United welcoming table toppers Bengaluru FC in the first semi-final’s first leg.
The coveted fixture is scheduled to take place at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium of Guwahati on Thursday. Here is the complete preview of the ISL semi-final between NEUFC and BFC.
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The road to Semi Final
NorthEast United
The hosts will be more euphoric of the two, having made it to the first ever playoffs in the league’s history. Things have been going their way from the very start, with the Highlanders discovering key players at most departments. Rowllin Borges, Bartholomew Ogbeche, and Mato Grgic, among others, have made their presence felt with impressive performances for the team, helping them with a Top 4 for most of the season.
“Come out and cheer for our team. Be the 12th man.” 📣🥁
Our owner @TheJohnAbraham has a message for all the Highlanders! 🙌🏻
Tickets ➡️ https://t.co/qCSrc7Jz2s#8States1United #StrongerTogether #NEUBEN pic.twitter.com/KFUFmA0sHS
— NorthEast United FC (@NEUtdFC) March 5, 2019
Although their attack has been imposing, it is the NorthEast’s wall-like defence that has helped them with a place in the semi-final. In fact, NEUFC had one of the best defences in the league, having conceded the least number of goals (18).
Having made it to playoffs for the first time, the team would be eager to take their performances one step further and enter the finals. However, the home game against arguably the league’s best outfits won’t be easy.
Bengaluru FC
Bengaluru FC entered the season with much nervousness and a new head coach in Carles Cuadrat. There was fair amount of skepticism and speculation whether the team could emerge from the heartbreak in the finals and reach the highs they achieved last year.
What turned out was a majestic performance from the Men in Blue, almost similar to the epic 2017-18 ISL season. In fact, Bengaluru was unbeaten as late as January, topping the table throughout. However, just when it felt that the team is indomitable, they endured a tough time towards the end of the group stage.
Probably the month-long international break had broken their momentum, but BFC went on to lose 4 games. The biggest of them all was a 5-1 thrashing at the hands of fifth-placed Jamshedpur FC. The fact that the big defeat came in the team’s last group match is what should be a worrying sign for Carles Cuadrat.
Although they have somehow managed to cling on to their top spot, Bengaluru must find a way to reinvigorate the Miku-Chhetri combination that once made them so lethal going forward.
NorthEast United vs Bengaluru FC: Team News
NorthEast United
NEUFC was dealt with a major blow in their bid to win the ISL playoffs after Mislav Komorski was ruled out earlier with an injury. His absence will leave a significant void in the host’s star defence. To make matters worse, his replacement, Gurwinder Singh, was sent off with a red card in the last game against Kerala Blasters.
NorthEast United would, as a result, have to play the home game with utmost caution and try to avoid handing a precious away goal to the visitors.
The boys giving it all in training before our first ever semifinal this Thursday against Bengaluru FC! 💪🏻🙌🏻#8States1United #StrongerTogether #NEUBEN pic.twitter.com/DAkJQFKtPD
— NorthEast United FC (@NEUtdFC) March 5, 2019
Bengaluru FC
Although BFC doesn’t face a similar situation as their opponents, they still have one significant change on their bench. Australian midfielder Erik Paartalu will not be with his team this season with Bengaluru managing to rope in Alex Barrera as a replacement in the nick of time. There are no major changes elsewhere.
#Mattomme pic.twitter.com/3cDfMhd3Z3
— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) March 5, 2019
NorthEast United vs Bengaluru FC: Probable Lineups
NorthEast United (4-2-3-1): Pawan Kumar, Mato Grgic, Keegan Pereira, Janeiler Rivas, Lalthathanga Khawlhring, Reagan Singh, Rowllin Borges, Redeem Tlang, Federico Gallego, Panagiotis Triadis, Bartholomew Ogbeche
Bengaluru FC (4-2-3-1): Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Juanan, Albert Serran, Rahul Bheke, Nishu Kumar, Dimas Delgado, Harmanjot Khabra, Udanta Singh, Xisco Hernandez, Sunil Chhetri, Miku
NorthEast United vs Bengaluru FC: Form Guide
NorthEast United: D D W D L
Bengaluru FC: L W L L D
NorthEast United vs Bengaluru FC: Head-to-Head
NorthEast United: 0
Bengaluru FC: 3
Draw: 1
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NorthEast United vs Bengaluru FC: Predictions
Things are trickier for both the sides in the ISL semifinals. Even though they have a superior head-to-head record, Bengaluru doesn’t have the momentum no their side. Things look favourable for NorthEast United, who have the home advantage and a depleted but still effective defence. The hosts will try to sit back and force through a clean chit. This, along with an out-of-form Bengaluru FC casts a perfect spell for a draw.
Predicted Score – NorthEast United 1:1 Bengaluru FC
NorthEast United vs Bengaluru FC: Schedule
Date: 7 March 2019
Kickoff Time: 7:30 PM IST
It's a semifinal in the hills and if you're not making the trip, here's where you should be! Head over to Church Street Social for a live screening as the Blues take on @NEUtdFC. Come on, BFC! #Mattomme #NEUBEN 🔵📺 pic.twitter.com/blVSwd2doT
— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) March 5, 2019
NorthEast United vs Bengaluru FC: Venue
Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati
NorthEast United vs Bengaluru FC: Live Streaming
The semi-final between NorthEast United and Bengaluru FC will be broadcasted by Star Sports Network. The epic battle will also be streamed live on Hotstar.
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