NorthEast United FC target first ISL win in Shillong, as East Bengal FC come calling

East Bengal FC will face NorthEast United FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on March 8, at 5:00 pm IST. The Highlanders have qualified for the playoffs with 35 points from 23 games, on the back of nine wins and eight draws. They will want to enter the playoffs with a victory on their back.

East Bengal FC are eighth with 28 points and will hope to cap off the campaign by extending their strong record against NorthEast United FC, having lost just once in their last six meetings and scoring in each of those encounters.

Meanwhile, NorthEast United FC head into this fixture on the back of a 3-0 victory over Chennaiyin FC, marking the seventh time this season they have netted three or more goals in a single game, as only Mohun Bagan Super Giant have achieved this more times (nine) in ISL 2024-25. Notably, the Highlanders’ seven such high-scoring games this season equal their combined tally from the last three seasons.

NorthEast United FC’s Home Concerns

• Consecutive Home Defeats: The Highlanders have lost their last two home games by similar 0-2 scorelines. The last time they failed to find the back of the net in three successive home matches was between December 2019 and February 2020.
• Scoring Imbalance? The Highlanders are the fourth-highest scoring teams with 42 strikes. Alaaeddine Ajaraie had netted 21 times, but the joint-best in the list next are Guillermo Fernandez and Nestor Albiach with five goals each.

East Bengal FC’s Away Form

• Unbeaten Run: East Bengal FC are currently unbeaten in their last three away games in ISL 2024-25 (W2 D1). A win or a draw in this match would set a new club record for their longest such sequence in ISL history.
• Defensive Discipline: East Bengal FC have laid a potent offside trap this season, catching opponents offside 60 times, more than any other side in the competition. This also means that they play a slightly high defensive line at times, which could leave their backline exposed too.