The Blues face a stern test in Sree Kanteerava as they face an in-form Highlanders side.

Looking to bounce back from their first defeat, the league leaders Bengaluru FC will be the host NorthEast United FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Matchweek 8. The Blues will have a point to prove after their humiliation at the hands of Manolo Marquez and FC Goa in a 3-0 defeat.

The match at the Fatorda Stadium was an early season shocker against an out-of-form Goa side where the Blues were favorites for all three points.

While head coach Gerard Zaragoza and his team might have gone a bit numb before the Goa match, the match against NorthEast United FC will be a challenge they won’t take lightly this time around.

Mize

Bengaluru FC

While Bengaluru FC succumbed to their first defeat of the season, their recent form is nothing to look down upon, especially in Sree Kanteerava. In 4 home games this season, the Blues have scored eight goals and conceded no goals this season. Edgar Mendez, Sunil Chhetri and Jorge Pereyra Diaz have led from the front and players like Nikhil Poojary and Rahul Bheke have strengthened the defense this season.

A slight concern would be for their goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who had a night to forget against the Gaurs. A win for Bengaluru would be a good way for Zaragoza and his men to put the awful memories of Goa behind them. The Blues had fond memories of playing the Highlanders and will be looking forward to this challenge once again.

NorthEast United FC

Meanwhile, NorthEast United FC come into the match fresh from a thrilling 3-2 win against Odisha FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati. The Highlanders have bounced back in style with back-to-back wins in their last two games under head coach Juan Pedro Benali. The match against Bengaluru FC could come at an opportune time for the Highlanders and Benali, who will be keen to heap more misery on Bengaluru.

For NorthEast United FC, a win would not only boost their points tally but also send a clear message of intent to fight for top honors this season. While the clash with fellow Spaniards Zaragoza didn’t turn out great for Benali, he and his men will smell blood in the water this time around.

Injury and team news

The Gaurs and Blues are expected to field a fully fit XI for the upcoming game.

Head to head

Matches played – 16

Bengaluru FC win – 8

NorthEast United FC win – 2

Draw – 6

Predicted lineups

Bengaluru FC (4-4-2)

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK); Chinglensana Singh, Aleksandar Jovanovic, Rahul Bheke, Naorem Roshan Singh; Rohit Danu, Alberto Noguera, Pedro Capo, F Lalremtluanga; Edgar Mendez, Sunil Chhetri

NorthEast United FC (4-2-3-1)

Gurmeet Singh (GK); Dinesh Singh, Asheer Akhtar, Michel Zabaco, Tondonba Singh; Hamza Regragui, Mayakkannan Muthu; Jithin MS, Nestor Albiach, Parthib Gogoi; Alaeddine Ajaraie

Players to watch

Edgar Mendez (Bengaluru FC)

Mendez continues to be the in-form man for Bengaluru and comes off the back of a bruising performance against FC Goa. The Spaniard will be keen to rekindle his form against the Highlanders. Mendez has capitalized on opponents’ defensive lapses this season and showcased his poaching skills and eye for goal for Bengaluru this season.

The Highlanders will be looking to keep him in check if they hope to destroy all chances and claim all three points. Coach Benali and his coaching staff will have to shut down the Spaniard and hope he keeps his cool against them.

Parthib Gogoi (NorthEast United FC)

The 21-year-old is in red-hot form and has been a revelation under Benali this season. In 6 appearances this season, Gogoi has 2 goals and 2 assists this season. He has been a spark in attack that the Highlanders have been looking for this season and adds a lot of flair, energy and attacking threat to their front line.

Gogoi has made a name for himself with his quick movements and pace, making him a headache for any defender. The former India U-23 international will look to make a bigger impact against Sree Kanteerava’s Blues.

Did you know?

• Bengaluru FC have won 4 matches this season. The Blues remain unbeaten at home this season, with Punjab FC the only other side.
• Bengaluru FC scores 1.2 goals in a match against NorthEast United FC, while NorthEast United FC scores 1 goal in a match against Bengaluru FC (on average).
• Bengaluru FC have won seven matches in a row at home.

Television show

The match between Bengaluru FC and NorthEast United FC will be played at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Friday, November 8, 2024. It will start at 19:30 IST.

The match will be telecast live on Sports 18 and will be available for streaming on Jio Cinema. International viewers can also watch the match on the OneFootball app.

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