Bengaluru FC had an underwhelming season last year when they failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time. New coach Marco Pezzaiuoli has a brand-new squad to work with and has already managed the team in the AFC Cup back in August and the Durand Cup. The blues will look to get off to a winning start and increase the confidence of the team and fans alike.
NEUFC, on the other hand, had a solid and encouraging season last season. NEUFC went on a sensational unbeaten run last year and powered their way into the playoffs under Khalid Jamil. NEUFC would look to continue to keep the momentum going against a new look BFC side.
Bengaluru FC has had a revamp of their squad this season. A side once boasted of a sturdy backbone in the form of Dimas, Partalu, Bheke, and Juanan have opted for new players under their new German coach this season. Pezzaiuoli has always wanted to play with a high press and play out from the back. It would be interesting to see how he sets his team up against a hard-working and organized NEUFC. NEUFC suffered a huge blow after they failed to retain the services of their star player Apuia. However, Khalid Jamil has a settled group of Gallego, Camara and Brown players and valuable addition to Hernan Santana. Gallego will once again be key for NEUFC with his creative prowess and leadership in the middle.
Marco Pezzaiuoli has reported that all new foreign signings are available for selection for BFC. The German also mentioned that Parag is out due to an elbow injury, and that Rohit and Akashdeep are yet to recover from their injuries. Youngster Harmanpreet Singh remains a long-term absentee for the blues. For NEUFC, coach Khalid Jamil has confirmed no injury concerns and has the privilege to pick from an entire squad.
3 Indians to watch out for
Sunil Chhetri
Captain Chhetri will once again be crucial for BFC this season. The Khel Ratna awardee is just one goal away from joining Ferran Corominas as the highest ever goal-scorer in ISL. Chhetri and Cleiton have formed a formidable partnership, with the latter often dropping in and allowing Chhetri to play striker. Chhetri will be hungry as ever and is sure to put away chances that come his way.
Rochharzela
The 23-year-old winger has a tremendous season ahead of him as he looks to step up in the NEUFC attack. In his debut season, Rochharzela had some bright moments scoring once and assisting twice in 12 games. Up against a new-look Bengaluru FC defense, Rochharzela’s pace and running in behind the defense will be crucial to NEUFC’s chances for a win.
Bidyashagar Singh
One of the many exciting players debuting in ISL this season, Bidyashagar Singh, has many expectations of him. The top-scorer for I-league last season, Bidya is sharp in and around the box and an accurate finisher. The 23-year-old has already showcased his attacking prowess scoring for BFC in the AFC and Durand cup. Bidya will be the perfect understudy to Sunil Chhetri and fancying his chances against the new duo of Mashoor Shareef and Hernan Santana.
3 foreigners to watch out for
Federico Gallego
NEUFC’s creator-in-chief Federico Gallego will be the key man in this tight contest against BFC. The Uruguayan had four goals and six assists and was crucial in NEUFC reaching the playoffs last time. In the absence of Apuia, Gallego will be even more critical in creating chances for his team. Gallego is expected to be on set-piece duty, and his corners and free-kicks into the box will be essential for NEUFC.
Cleiton Silva
One of BFC’s bright sparks last season, Cleiton Silva, is expected to lead the line alongside Sunil Chhetri. Cleiton is not only an adept finisher but also an astute passer. He often drops deep and creates goal-scoring chances for his teammates. He would be looking to playoff Santana and allow the likes of Jayesh Rane and Suresh Wangjam to go higher up the pitch. With the departure of Dimas, Cleiton is expected to be responsible for set-pieces as well.
Hernan Santana
Hernan Santana was a crucial addition to MCFC’s title-winning campaign last season. The 31-year-old centre-back is a very good reader of the game and is the perfect replacement for Benjamin Lambot. Hernan will prove crucial in thwarting BFC attacks and keeping the likes of Chhetri and Cleiton in check. He will also prove to be a menace in the opposition box in corners and other set pieces with his heading ability.
Predicted line-up
Bengaluru FC
NorthEast United FC
Head-to-head
Total matches 10 – NEUFC Wins – 1, BFC Wins – 5, Draws – 4.
The previous encounter between the two sides ended in a 1-1 stalemate with Luis Machado and Rahul Bheke on the scoresheet.
Predicted Result
BFC vs NEUFC is expected to be a tight contest, with both teams trying to find their feet in the 1st game of their campaign. There are a few question marks around the new centre-back duo of Mashoor Shareef and Hernan Santana and, that is where BFC can win the battle. A low-scoring game and a narrow win for Bengaluru FC will not be a surprise.
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