An enthralling mid-table encounter is waiting to unfold at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati as NorthEast United FC and Odisha FC play against each other to commence the Sunday double header on November 3, 5:00 pm in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25.
The Highlanders and the Juggernauts are tied on eight points from six matches each and are positioned fifth and seventh in the points table respectively. With the campaign capturing a captivating look every passing game, it arguably appears that there will be plenty of contenders for the playoffs spots going forward.
It’s integral that teams don’t cede too much ground early on in the seasons, and hence every game assumes equal importance, including this one – with the Highlanders coming on the back of a thumping 5-0 win against Jamshedpur FC, and the Juggernauts playing out a hard-fought 1-1 draw at the home of Mumbai City FC.
Highlanders – High on Confidence
· Biggest Ever ISL Win: NorthEast United FC’s 5-0 victory against Jamshedpur FC was their biggest ever in the competition. Now, they have a unique chance of registering consecutive wins in the same season of the league for the first time since 2020-21. Their graph has been on an upward trajectory off late and head coach Juan Pedro Benali will have his eyes set on the three points.
· Formidable Starters: A key ingredient of NorthEast United FC’s gameplay this year has been netting in the opening 15 minutes of their games. They have scored four goals in the given time period, which is the highest such tally for any team in the league. Simultaneously, Odisha FC are one of the three teams – along with Bengaluru FC and Punjab FC, who are yet to concede in this time period. Will the Highlanders get an early lead yet again or would the Juggernauts maintain their record of being steady and safe starters to games?
Odisha FC’s away concerns
· Seeking Away Victories: Odisha FC are without a win in their previous seven games on the road – drawing twice and losing five matches in the process. They have kept only one clean sheet in this duration, and not scored in three of the aforementioned encounters. Maintaining a fine balance between positive outcomes at both home and away is important for any team seeking success, and the Juggernauts will need to bring their game back on track in unfamiliar conditions to inject further confidence in their campaign.
· Sergio Lobera in Guwahati: Sergio Lobera is yet to win a match in his four visits to the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati. His teams have lost and drawn twice in those games and have conceded at least two goals in each of these encounters. Given NorthEast United FC’s prolific goal-scoring showcase in the previous match, Odisha FC should be well aware of being defensively disciplined in the coming clash.
Head-to-Head
The two teams have played 10 times against each other in the ISL. Odisha FC and NorthEast United FC have won six and three games respectively, with one match resulting in a draw.
( Source: ISL Media)
