ISL 2017, Match 19: NorthEast United FC vs Bengaluru FC, Probable XI
NothEast United FC are all set to host Bengaluru FC in their second home game of ISL 2017 and are coming home at the back of an away victory against Delhi, while Bengaluru tasted their first defeat in Goa after winning their two home games.
NorthEast United FC have seen all three possible results in their first three games and are currently at the middle of the points table. They have scored their first ISL 2017 goals against Delhi and have also managed to keep a clean sheet. The Highlanders played a goalless draw in their first home game against the defence-heavy Jamshedpur FC.
Bengaluru FC showed a lot of character in their away game against FC Goa as they have managed to score 3 goals after being reduced to 10 men and lost by just one goal. This game is surely going to be a tough one for them as they will miss their regular custodian Gurpreet due to a red card suspension.
NorthEast United FC
The Highlanders have bounded back strongly against Delhi after failing to score in their first two games. The head coach Joao De Deus is fully confident in his boys ahead of this tough encounter. He also mentioned a need to avoid set piece situation considering Blues expertise with them.
He is not expected to make any alteration in the winning combination from Delhi game and would like field his side in 4-2-3-1 which will provide more support to defence. The only possible change could be Didika replacing Narzary.
NorthEast United FC Probable Starting XI: Rehenese, Nirmal, Jose, Sambinah, Reagan, Borges, Goiano, Doungel, Marcinho, Narzary, Lopes.
Bengaluru FC
Bengaluru FC boss Albert Roca has everything to worry as his first and second choice goalkeeper are not available for the game. Gurpreet is serving a two-game suspension due to a direct red card, while Abhra Mondal is out due to injury. However, he seems to be quite confident about his side’s chances and looks to go all guns blazing tonight.
They are coming into this game after a long break of eight days, which surely given them some time to practice with a new set of combinations. He is expected to continue his favoured attacking formation of 4-3-3, which help his side to create more chances on opposition’s goal. We are not expecting any changes except the obvious one of the goalkeeper.
Bengaluru FC Probable Starting XI: Calvin, Juanan, Johnson, Bheke, Khabra, Lenny, Paartalu, Garcia, Udanta, Miku, Chhetri.
Prediction
NorthEast United FC 1-3 Bengaluru FC
Bengaluru FC will surely look to go all guns blazing tonight against the Highlanders as they are more organized upfront. We are expecting them to take all 3 points home and reclaim the top spot in league standings.