Saturday , November 23 2024

Win against Hyderabad will keep NorthEast United's playoff chances intact

Hyderabad, March 4 (Hindustan Reporter) When NorthEast United FC face hosts Hyderabad FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 match to be played at the Gachibowli Stadium this evening, the Highlanders will be aiming to finish among the top six teams.

The Highlanders have lost just once in their last 4 matches, and are now an arm's length away from a playoff spot. They are eighth in the table with 19 points from 16 matches. They are just two points behind sixth-placed Bengaluru FC (21 from 18 matches), having played two fewer matches than the Blues.

The Highlanders have won against East Bengal FC and FC Goa since the league resumed after the mid-season break. They lost 2-4 to Mohun Bagan Super Giants after a tough fight and drew 1-1 with Jamshedpur FC.

Juan Pedro Benali's Highlanders will return to action after 11 days and face Hyderabad FC. Hyderabad is winless after 17 matches and has lost all its last five matches.

Hyderabad FC head coach Thangboi Singto said on the eve of the match on Sunday, “The Highlanders not only have Nestor but also Juric who has performed well and they also have a strong defence. “They are not a team that plays risky or attractive football, but they have performed very well.”

“The teams have won against Hyderabad FC,” NorthEast United FC's Spanish head coach Juan Pedro Benali said in the pre-match press conference. They have some very good young Indian talented players. “It will be a very intriguing match because at this point they have nothing to lose and everything to gain.”

Let us tell you that so far 9 matches have been played between the two teams, in which NorthEast United has won 6 and Hyderabad FC has won 1 match, while 2 matches have been drawn.