Goa: There’s not much difference considering the present scenario between NorthEast United FC and Bengaluru FC facing each other in match 56 of the Indian Super League at the Tilak Maidan in Goa on Tuesday(January 12).
The Blues, are now sixth on the table, having lost their last four games which is first time in their history but still the interim coach Naushad Moosa feels his side can cope with the pressure of current situation.
“It has been a difficult time for everyone, for the players and for everyone involved with the club. We need to overcome this form and we are working on it. We have two games in a short period and it will take time, but we can’t sit back and relax either. The players are motivated and you saw the way we played in the second half against East Bengal. I am expecting them to do better against NorthEast United”. added Moosa in his pre-match conference.
However, a good news for the Blues, Harmanjot Khabra will be available again after serving a one game suspension with further no news of new injuries in the squad. However, they can face a tough time in the middle considering depending on the resilience of the defence of the Highlanders.
On the other hand, NorthEast are also desperate to revive their campaign. Despite having a good start, they struggled quite a bit and are now placed at seventh just behind Bengaluru.
Although their defence have showed great spirit till now, its their forward line which lacked the finishing touch, ultimately costing the game for them.
However, assistant coach of the Highlanders Alison Kharsyntiew feels his side are well aware about the quality that the Blues have in their tank but will not give an inch expecting nothing less than three points,
“First of all, we know that Bengaluru have lost four games in a four but every game is new and we have to respect them. I’m sure that the players will give their best tomorrow. Whatever the outcome, we know our duty. We have to forget the last match, focus on the next match and put in 100 percent to win. We have a simple approach. If we lose the ball, we try to win it back. If we have the ball, we have to create chances and score.”
However with the likes of Luis Machado and Federico Gallego in their squad as well, NorthEast can frustrate the Blues especially on the counters knowing that Bengaluru usually play with a high tempo up the pitch.
NorthEast United FC possible playing XI: Subhasish Roy Chowdhury(GK), Mashoor Shereef Thankgalakath, Rochharzela, Benjamin Lambot, Dylan Fox, Gurjinder Kumar, Ashutosh Mehta, Federico Gallego, Fanai Lalrempuia, Lalengmawia, Luís Machado
Bengaluru FC possible playing XI: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu(GK), Juanan, Ajith Kumar, Namgyal, Parag, Dimas Delgado, Suresh, Amay, Cleiton Silva, Sunil Chhetri, Udanta
