ISL 2017/18, Match 57: Bengaluru FC vs NorthEast United FC, Probable XI

Bengaluru FC have been on prime form. (Photo: ISL)

Bengaluru FC are ready to host the struggling NorthEast United FC in their 6th home game of ISL 2017/18 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. The Highlanders had brilliantly defended Bengaluru attack in their previous encounter but couldn’t stop Miku from scoring the winning goal right after the first half.

Bengaluru FC will aim for the top spot in league standings with a win over 9th placed NorthEast United. Considering the trend, we can hope for a positive result for the Blues tonight as they have always won consecutive games in this season and they are coming at the back of an impressive 3-1 victory against Mumbai City FC.

On the other side, NorthEast United FC are at the 9th place in the league table with just 3 wins in 10 games. This is almost a do-or-die situation for the Highlanders as they can’t afford more losses in the season. They have struggled away from home and managed to win just one out of four away games in the season.

Bengaluru FC

Bengaluru FC head coach Albert Roca has all the reasons to be proud of his boys' performance against defensively strong Mumbai City FC in the last game. However, he needs to rethink the defensive performance as they have managed to keep a clean-sheet just once in last 7 games.

With Edu Gracia available for selection, we are expecting him to replace Dimas Delgado in the starting XI from the previous game. Albert Roca is expected to continue his favoured formation of 4-2-3-1 to control the game in the midfield area.

Bengaluru FC Probable Starting XI: Gurpreet, Bheke, Khabra, Juanan, Johnson, Haokip, Paartalu, Chhetri, Udanta, Gracia, Miku.

NorthEast United FC

NorthEast United FC manager Avram Grant seems to be quite satisfied with the recent performance of his side as they have won 2 out of their last three games. However, they are still the worst attacking side in the league with just 7 goals in 10 games. 5 out of those 7 games came in last 3 matches.

We are not expecting any changes in the winning combination from previous game. The former Chelsea manager is expected to continue 4-2-3-1 formation to counter the Bengaluru strategy.

NorthEast United FC Probable Starting XI: Rehenesh, Nirmal, Jose, Sambinha, Reagan, Diaz, Borges, Doungel, Marcinho, Narzary, Lopes.

Prediction

Bengaluru FC 4-1 NorthEast United FC

Considering the recent form of both sides, we are expecting Bengaluru to continue their free-scoring game and register a big victory over the Highlanders to claim the top spot in the league table.