Shillong, March 7: With their playoff berth already secured, NorthEast United FC will look to end their home campaign on a high when they face East Bengal FC in an ISL fixture at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Saturday. The match is scheduled to kick off at 5:00 pm IST.
The Highlanders, who have accumulated 35 points from 23 games, are placed fifth on the table with nine wins and eight draws. A victory in their final league game will give them a much-needed confidence boost ahead of the playoffs. However, they will also be desperate to break their winless streak at home, having lost their last two games in Shillong by identical 0-2 scorelines.
East Bengal FC, currently eighth with 28 points, will look to finish their season on a positive note. The Kolkata-based side boasts a dominant record against NorthEast United FC, having suffered only one defeat in their last six encounters, scoring in each of those matches. A win or draw on Saturday would also set a new club record for their longest unbeaten run away from home in ISL history, with three wins and a draw in their last four outings.
Highlanders’ Home Woes
Despite their impressive goal-scoring record this season, NorthEast United FC’s form at home has been inconsistent. The Highlanders are the fourth-highest scoring side in the league with 42 goals, but 21 of those have come from Alaaeddine Ajaraie alone. The gap in contribution from other players is a concern, with Guillermo Fernandez and Nestor Albiach being the next best scorers with only five goals each.
A third successive home defeat without scoring would mirror their barren run between December 2019 and February 2020, something head coach Juan Pedro Benali will be keen to avoid.
East Bengal FC have been solid defensively, particularly on their travels. Their defensive discipline has been highlighted by catching opponents offside 60 times this season — the most by any side. However, their high defensive line could leave them vulnerable against the pace of Ajaraie and NorthEast United FC’s quick transitions.
Assistant coach Bino George stressed the importance of the match, stating, “We always focus on all our matches, as all of them are important for the club. We have our plans set and will be focused on following them.”
Key Players to Watch
Cleiton Silva, East Bengal FC’s talisman, has scored five goals against NorthEast United FC — more than any other player in this fixture — but will be eager to end his 18-match goal drought. Meanwhile, Ajaraie could achieve a rare feat if he scores against East Bengal FC, becoming only the fourth player in ISL history to net against every team in a single season.
Naorem Mahesh Singh will also be a key figure for the visitors, having scored in his last two away matches and provided three assists against the Highlanders in previous meetings.
With both sides having plenty to play for, an intriguing battle is on the cards as Shillong braces for its final ISL clash of the season.
