ISL Match Preview: Bengaluru FC take on NorthEast United FC as their semi-final hopes lie in balance

In a bid to return to the top-four, Bengaluru FC will be going against the bottom-placed Northeast United FC in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) at the PJN Stadium in Margao, Goa on Friday.

The Blues are a win away from breaking into the semi-final spots, meanwhile, a draw will mean their position remains unchanged in the standings. They are placed sixth on the table with 23 points in 16 matches.

On the other hand, NorthEast United FC’s campaign has almost come to a close, however, players still have a lot to fight for as a strong finish could mean they retain their spots for the next season.

Form Guide

Bengaluru FC: DWWWL

Before their last match, the Blues were on a red-hot streak of nine unbeaten games. However, in their previous clash against Hyderabad FC, they tasted their fifth loss of the season.

NorthEast United FC: LDLLL

The Highlanders’ hapless season has only gone from bad to worse in the recent phase. In the last five matches, they have encountered four heavy losses and are winless in 10 matches.

Head to Head

In 11 matches contested, Bengaluru FC have emerged victorious six times while NorthEast United FC have won only once with four drawn clashes. 

Team News

Bengaluru FC will be without the suspended Roshan Singh for their next game against NEUFC after his card against HFC. Ashique Kuruniyan too is not available, Rohit Kumar and Jayesh Rane too are ruled out due to injury. In terms of long-term injuries, King, Amay, Harmanpreet are still missing. The Blues also have some players who are still suffering after the Covid-19 situation.

Key Players

Bengaluru FC

Cleiton Silva: The leading goal-scorer for the Blues this season, Silva has scored seven and provided an assist on three.

Udanta Singh: The young Indian forward has scored three goals and given an assist twice, stepping up whenever his side has needed him.

NorthEast United FC

Deshorn Brown: Brown needs one goal to equal Bartholomew Ogbeche (12) as NEUFC’s leading goal scorer in Hero ISL.

VP Suhair: Suhair ended an 8-game goalless drought as he scored NorthEast United FC’s opening goal in their defeat to ATK Mohun Bagan. He has scored 4 goals and set up 2 more goals this season.

Key Stats

The Blues set-piece strike

Bengaluru FC have scored 17 goals from set-pieces this season, the highest of any Hero ISL side. They have also scored a league-high 8 goals from corners.

The Highlanders low

NorthEast United FC (38) have conceded more goals than any other side this season. They have conceded the most goals from open play this season – 28 goals.

Match timings and telecast details

Match: Bengaluru FC vs NorthEast United FC

Date: February 18, 2022

Venue: PJN Stadium, Margao, Goa

Kick-off time: 7.30 pm IST

Telecast: Star Sports Network

Online Streaming: Disney+Hotstar and JioTV.