ISL 2018-19: Bengaluru FC vs NorthEast United: Preview and prediction
Bengaluru FC will host NorthEast United tomorrow in their return ISL fixture, a match that will be a battle between two great teams. Bengaluru, with 27 points, are second on the table for the first time this season, having lost to Mumbai FC during the weekend. NorthEast United, meanwhile, are third with 23 points. Here's our match preview.
How are the hosts looking ahead of the encounter?
Bengaluru have a match in hand, and if they manage to get the better of NorthEast tomorrow, they will regain their number one spot on the league table. Prolific Venezuelan striker Miku is doubtful for the match, and Nishu Kumar still remains injured. If Rino Anto starts the match, Harmajot Khabra can regain his usual position in midfield.
Are NorthEast United prepared for the match?
After their victory over Chennaiyin FC during the weekend, NorthEast will want to win tomorrow to close the gap on Mumbai City and Bengaluru FC. The positive aspect about their squad tomorrow is that no player is out with an injury or suspension. Coach Eelco Schattorie, under whom NorthEast have been quite consistent, will want to secure the semi-final spot with a win.
Who will be the key players in tomorrow's fixture?
Bengaluru have a host of talented footballers like the legendary Sunil Chhetri and goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. Udanta Singh's pace can be used to great effects by Bengaluru for creating goalscoring chances. For NorthEast United, Rowllin Borges and Jose Leudo will be their most important players in midfield. Bartholomew Ogbeche will want to continue his goalscoring exploits tomorrow.
Predicted line-up and TV listing
Bengaluru FC: Sandhu; Bheke, Juanan, Serran, Khabra; Paartalu, Delgado; Singh, Kean Lewis, Xisco; Chhetri. NorthEast United: Rehenesh; Robert, Komorski, Grgic, Reagan; Tlang, Leudo, Borges, Khawlhring; Gallego; Ogbeche. The match is scheduled to kick-off from 7:30 PM and can be viewed on the Star Sports network and also live-streamed on Hotstar and Jio TV.
How can the fixture turn out tomorrow?
The match will be a very intense affair to say the least, as both teams are strong and well-equipped for tomorrow. Bengaluru have faced defeat for the first time in any Indian competition since the ISL 2017-18 final, and will want to bounce back in style. Though Bengaluru will also have the home advantage, NorthEast cannot be written off so easily. Bengaluru might win 3-1.
