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Odisha FC’s ISL-10 campaign continues on Friday, November 3 evening, with NorthEast United FC visiting the Kalinga Stadium.
A stronger reaction will be expected from Sergio Lobera’s side after the comeback win against Bengaluru FC on Tuesday.
Odisha FC last faced the Highlanders in the Super Cup semifinals, when they defeated Floyd Pinto’s side 3-1 in Calicut, to lift their first piece of silverware since the club’s inception.
The Highlanders come into this game after a comeback win against Jamshedpur FC at home in Guwahati. Drama in the extra-time saw NorthEast United FC secure all three points against Jamshedpur FC courtesy of a precise strike from Zabaco and a composed penalty from Ibson Melo.
Zabaco was the standout player for the Highlanders in their win against Jamshedpur FC. With 79 attempted passes, he was a constant threat to the opposition’s defense.
Manvir Singh’s availability will be of question as the NorthEast United FC head coach provided an update on the player’s recovery, “Manvir is in the process of rehab now. He started to work in the field. We hope now, in the break he will be working more, touching the ball, and I think he will be in the group after the break.”
Sergio Lobera and his side will be determined to head into the international break with a strong finish against the Highlanders.
Injury concerns surrounding club captain Mourtada Fall which saw him miss out on the game against Bengaluru FC due to fixture congestion, the Spanish tactician provided an update on Fall’s situation, “Fall had some problems but hopefully, we can recover the player as soon as possible. I don’t think it is very serious and hopefully, he will be available for the next game (NorthEast United FC).”
When asked about the club’s intense fixture schedule and the effect it has on the players, Sergio said, “It’s not easy to recover, especially when the players are playing two games in three days. But, as I’ve mentioned before, there are no excuses.”
“We need to adapt to this situation. Complaining and searching for problems won’t help us in this scenario.”
Odisha FC’s clash with NorthEast United FC will be broadcast live on Sports18, JioCinema, and VH1 India, scheduled for a 20:00 IST kick-off.
