Bambolim, Goa : , The Sunil Chhetri-led Bengaluru FC is looking to forgo the reverses of last year’s Indian Super League (ISL).They will take on the semi-finalists NorthEast United FC(NEUFC) later in Saturday’s eighth edition at the GMC Athletic Stadium.After establishing themselves as top contenders over the last few seasons Bengaluru FC was unlucky not to be awarded the top-four spot for the first season in ISL history
Their previous campaign was unbeaten.They won three games and drew three.
However, their campaign faltered in the second half.
NEUFC, on the other side, displayed incredible determination and grit in the 2020/21 seasons.
They finished third with 33 points, their highest-ever league stage finish, and were the best team ever.Khalid Jamil was given the reigns in mid-season and led the team to six victories and three draws during the last nine games, propelling them into the semifinals.
Bengaluru FC are the 2018/19 Champions and have revamped the squad with several domestic signings as well as a foreign contingent.One common theme among the players they acquired in this summer’s window was the decrease in average age.Bidyashagar Sing, Danish Farooq and Prince Ibarra as well as Bruno Ramires and Iman Basafa, are still in their prime.
Due to injury, they will be without several players from India in the first game.
They are missing Suresh Singh Wangjam and Parag Srivas as well as Akashdeep Singh, Rohit Kumar, and Akashdeep Singh.Harmanpreet Singh sustained a knee injury during the Durand Cup, which will keep him out of action for the remainder of the season.
NEUFC has retained many core players, such as Federico Gallego and Deshorn Brown.Khassa Camara and VP Suhair will be back for the next season.
However, they have let go of Lalengmawia and Ashutosh Mehta and Dylan Fox.The team has brought in Matheus Coureur and Sehnaj Singh, Patrick Flottman, Matheus Coueur, as well as Hernan Santana.
Emanuel Lalchhanchhuaha, the sole player not available for NorthEast United FC is positive news for Khalid Jamil as they enter their season opener.
This fixture has been won by Bengaluru FC, who have also drawn four out of 10 against NEUFC.
The previous encounters between these two sides have ended in draw, and the fixtures of last season were also a draw.
Sunil Chhetri may be Bengaluru FC’s X-Factor, considering that the forward has just completed a highly successful SAFF Championship in which he was the top scorer as well as player of the tournament.
akm/ #Bengaluru #NEUFC
