DIMAPUR — NorthEast
United FC will play their final home game of the calendar year against
table-toppers Mohun Bagan SG at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on Sunday in
the Indian Super League (ISL).
NorthEast United FC head into this crucial fixture following
a narrow 1-0 away defeat to East Bengal and will be aiming to turn things
around.
An update from the club stated that NorthEast United FC had
triumphed 4-3 on penalties in the Durand Cup final, staging a remarkable second-half
comeback. In the ISL fixture, Mohun Bagan had won 3-2. As a result, the reverse
fixture is being billed as a 'revenge clash'.
However, Juan Pedro Benali played down the notion of
revenge. He emphasised that there is no place for revenge in football, stating
that each game is a fresh opportunity with three points at stake. He cautioned
against approaching the match with emotion, urging the team to focus on
thinking logically and maintaining calm and positivity.
He also highlighted the importance of focusing on the small
battles within the game, asserting that winning these would lead to overall
victory. Benali expressed confidence in the team's readiness, stating that they
would not dwell on past encounters but concentrate solely on the upcoming match,
which he described as the most important.
Asheer Akhtar, who has been solid at the back, expressed
agreement with the coach's sentiments. He noted that this would not be the
first encounter with the opponents, having already faced them twice. He also mentioned
that the coaching staff had prepared the team thoroughly for the match, and
they would stick to their plan and tactics.
NorthEast United FC are among the highest goal scorers in
the league, with 21 goals, and have often overwhelmed the opposition with their
fast starts. Forward Alaaeddine Ajaraie is the team’s leading goal scorer, with
11 goals in 10 games. The Moroccan has faced Mohun Bagan twice, scoring on both
occasions and will look to add another to his tally.
Ajaraie is also second on the chances created list for
NorthEast United FC, with 18, behind fullback Buanthanglun Samte, who has 20.
Ajaraie and Jithin MS, both with four assists, could match Bagan’s Greg Stuart
for the most assists if they register another goal contribution.
NorthEast United FC are currently sixth in the table. A
victory against Mohun Bagan would elevate them to 18 points, potentially moving
them up to third place, depending on the margin of victory. This is precisely
what NorthEast United FC would aim to achieve in their final home game of 2024.
