NorthEast United FC vs East Bengal FC Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | Indian Super League

NorthEast United FC vs East Bengal FC Preview

• Competition: Indian Super League
• Date: Saturday, 8th March
• Kick-Off Time: 11:30 AM GMT
• Venue: Polo Ground

The NorthEast United FC vs East Bengal FC match will be played at the Polo Ground in the Indian Super League on March 8. The Highlanders who just qualified will host the eighth-placed team on Saturday evening.

The Highlanders qualified for the playoffs in style as they defeated the Marina Machans by 0-3 away from home. Despite Juan Pedro Benali not being on the sidelines, the away team played their natural game and got the three points against a good opponent. This will be the last league game for both of these teams and surely, they would like to end as high as possible in the points table.

The Durand Cup winners did drop some points but somehow they have booked their place in the top six, and surely they will be satisfied with their performance in the league. In 23 games, they have won nine, eight ended in draws and lost six games this season, with 35 points on the table, they are sitting at the fifth spot. Even though they have lost back-to-back home games, and will be a bit worried about their luck they are a team full of confidence who can get a result against any opponent.

The Red and Goal Brigade's hope to get the top six spot was gone in their last match as they drew against Bengaluru FC. They were down to 10 men in the first half and then in the last minute of the second half, conceded a penalty which Chhetri converted to give the Blues a point.

Oscar Bruzon mentioned in the press conference that discipline issues on the field have cost them a lot this season and they will have to improve it. Injuries have also made the job very difficult for the coaching staff as they will look to end their season campaign on a positive note.

Facing the Highlanders away from home will not be an easy task for sure, but they are a decent side that can upset the home side. In 23 games, they have won eight games, drawn four games, and lost 11 games, with 28 points on the table, they are eighth in the points table. This will be a mouthwatering clash for sure.

Northeast United FC Team News

Hamza Regragui is the only injury concern for the home side, the rest of the players are fit to play on Saturday. The coach will look to shuffle and give chance to his players as they have already qualified.

East Bengal FC Team News

Anwar Ali is doubtful for the match as he was substituted in the last game due to a hamstring injury and Dimitrios Diamantakos will be suspended for this game due to the red card. The rest of the players are fit to play for the Red & Gold Brigade.

Northeast United FC vs East Bengal FC Predicted Lineups

NorthEast United FC Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Gurmeet Singh

Defenders: Redeem Tlang, Dinesh Singh, Miguel Zabaco, Buanthanglun Samte

Midfielders: Mohammed Ali Bemammer, Mayakkannan

Forwards: Thoi Singh, Nestor Albiach, Jithin MS, Alaaeddine Ajaraie

East Bengal FC Predicted Lineup (4-4-2):

Goalkeeper: Prabhsukan Gill

Defenders: Mohammed Rakip, Hector Yuste, Jeakson Singh, Pravot Lakra

Midfielders: Mahesh Naorem, Souvik Chakraborty, Saul Crespo, PV Vishnu

Forwards: Richard Celis, Messi Bouli

NorthEast United FC vs East Bengal FC Head-to-Head Record

Both teams have faced each other 10 times, out of which the Highlanders have won four games, three games ended in draws and three games were won by East Bengal. In the last five games, the Highlanders won once, one game ended in a stalemate and three games were won by East Bengal FC.

Key Players to Watch in NorthEast United FC vs East Bengal FC

Alaaeddine Ajaraie (Northeast United FC)

The Moroccan has taken the ISL by storm as in his debut season he broke many records and made a name for himself in the league. Not only does the Highlander fans like him but also he is very much liked by other fanbases as well. Both on and off the field he is class apart. Also overall he is a quality player who is having the best season of his career.

He is fast, agile, versatile, and very quick, despite being short in stature, he can go past defenders very easily and helps his team. Without him, NorthEast United's attack is toothless, and surely the management will look to get good competition for him in the upcoming season for sure. In 23 games, he has scored 21 goals and provided seven assists, without a doubt, he will win the Golden Boot and will be the Player of the Season.

Messi Bouli (East Bengal FC)

He has improved the Red & Gold Brigade's attack drastically and has already impressed the fans with his gameplay. He is fast, physically strong, and has a good eye for goals.

This is his second stint in the Indian Super League and surely a player like him very much suits Bruzon's style of play. Despite having very little time to adapt, he has already shown what he can do and how he can help the team to put pressure on the opponent. In five games he has scored twice and provided one assist till now.

His role in the Asian competition will also be very crucial for the Red & Gold Brigade. With his pace, he can exploit the Highlanders' defence, and alongside Celis, he can create a lot of trouble for the home side.

Northeast United FC vs East Bengal FC Prediction

The Highlanders are struggling at their new home ground but still, they will be confident of winning their last league game. On the other hand, East Bengal will hope to end their campaign with a win for sure, but individual mistakes have hampered them a lot this season and most probably this game will end in a stalemate.

Predicted Score: Northeast United 1-1 East Bengal

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