After a resolute win in Delhi, the Highlanders travel to Kolkta to face East Bengal FC
Guwahati, 27 November 2024: NorthEast United FC are again off to Kolkata. This time, to face East Bengal FC. The Highlanders will face the Kolkata side in their Indian Super League (ISL 2024-25) clash at the VYBK (Salt Lake Stadium) on Friday.
Juan Pedro Benali’s troops are coming into the fixture high on confidence after a resolute 2-1 victory over Punjab FC on the road. On the other hand, East Bengal will play their first match after the international break and in their last fixture drew 0-0 against fellow Kolkata outfit Mohammedan SC.
NorthEast United FC are third in the table with 15 points from 9 games, while East Bengal are currently last with one point from seven matches. However, the gaffer emphasised that his team must be humble and should focus on themselves.
“Every game is different, East Bengal has a special style, they’re a side with good players. We have to focus on ourselves. How to play easy, stay calm… We’ve to stay humble and try to get three points,” Benali said in a pre-match press conference.
Buanthanglun Samte has created the most chances (18) for the Highlanders this season and is the only defender in the Top-10 list for chances created in the league. His bombing runs down the left flank and set-pieces have hugely contributed to the team’s success and the fullback expressed that his role slightly varies per the opposition.
“I have my coach’s and teammates’ confidence. Every opponent is different, but whenever I get an opportunity, I get forward,” Samte, who assisted Nestor’s goal against Punjab FC said.
Alaaeddine Ajaraie is the leading goal contributor (11 goals & 4 assists) in the ISL and has so far scored every time he has played in Kolkata. Should he score against East Bengal, he would match Bartholomew Ogbeche’s record of scoring maximum ISL goals (12) in a season for NorthEast United FC or can even better it.
“We now know that everybody will go for him (Alaaeddine), he needs to be calm, focus on his game and he will find the back of the net. If they man-mark him or mark him with two or three players, it means other players are free and can score like we saw in the last game,” Benali added.
NorthEast United FC, who have scored the most goals in the league, (21 goals) will once again look to get off the blocks quickly and secure another victory on the road, elevating them to the second in the ISL standings.
