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Bengaluru FC host NorthEast United FC in Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Friday. The Blues recovered well from a shock 2 – 0 loss at the hands of Delhi Dynamos FC as they picked up a crucial 3 – 1 win away to Mumbai City FC in their previous fixture. They would be looking for a win that would propel them to the top of the league table.
The Highlanders, on the other hand, come off the back of an impressive 3 – 1 victory over the much-fancied Chennaiyin FC. The visitors would be looking to get a win in a tough away fixture, having lost 0-1 at home against the same opponents earlier this season. The three points will be crucial for them to initiate a late surge towards the top-four status.
HEAD TO HEAD
Bengaluru FC 1–0 NorthEast United FC
KEY PLAYERS
Miku (Bengaluru FC)
The Venezuelan scored the only goal when the sides met earlier in the season. He has shown immense proficiency when it comes to scoring and his nine goals makes him the second highest scorer in the league right now. The 32-year-old is quick with his runs and clinical with his finish, alongside being opportunistic and possessing good poacher instincts. On his day, he can give any odd defence a torrid time and will look to do so when his team hosts NorthEast.
Seiminlen Doungel (NorthEast United FC)
The 24-year-old has been a key operator on the flanks for the Highlanders. Of late, he has also shown impressive scoring touch, as he netted four times in his last three matches. NorthEast’s previous match against Chennaiyin FC saw Doungel becoming the club’s first ever hattrick scorer as well as the first Indian to score the same, this season. A pacey player who exhibits good touches with the ball, he will be hungry to be on the scoresheet against a formidable Bengaluru side.
POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUPS
Bengaluru FC
Albert Roca will probably go for a 4-1-4-1 formation, which relies heavily on their midfield and flanks for proper service to the striker.
Goalkeeper: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
Defenders: Harmanjot Khabra, Rahul Bheke, Juanan, Nishu Kumar
Midfielders: Dimas Delgado, Edu Garcia, Erik Paartalu, Sunil Chhetri, Udanta Singh
Forward: Miku
NorthEast United FC
Avram Grant may counter with his own 4-2-3-1 formation, hoping to utilize their midfield and flanks to good effect.
Goalkeeper: TP Rehenesh
Defenders: Nirmal Chettri, Jose Goncalves, Sambinha, Reagan Singh
Midfielders: Martin Diaz, Rowllin Borges, Malemngamba Meitei, Marcinho, Halicharan Narzary
Forward: Danilo Lopes
KEY STATS
– Bengaluru have the highest number of wins so far this season (7), while NorthEast have the second-lowest (3)
– The Highlanders have also scored the least number of goals till now (7)
– The Blues are yet to draw a game this season
LAST ENCOUNTER
NorthEast United FC 0–1 Bengaluru FC (8th December 2017 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati)
FORM GUIDE
Bengaluru FC: W L W W L
NorthEast United FC: W L W L L
