Bengaluru FC and Jamshedpur FC lock horns in battle of struggling giants

Bengaluru FC are gearing up to take on Jamshedpur FC in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. Separated by three points, both sides find themselves a fair way off the final playoff spot. The Blues are currently ninth with seven points, while the Red Miners are right below them with four points.

Bengaluru FC suffered their second successive defeat last week after a 3-2 loss against arch-rivals Kerala Blasters FC. The Blues have now managed to win just two games in nine attempts in the Hero ISL. They have also scored the joint-fewest goals this season, level with their next opponents, Jamshedpur FC, at six goals.

Midfielder Javi Hernandez got on the scoresheet again last week as he took his season’s tally to three goals. Skipper Sunil Chhetri scored from the spot and finally got off the mark this season. Meanwhile, the new signing, Pablo Perez, was only fit enough to start from the bench. The Spaniard could be in contention to start Saturday’s game.

FC Goa seek consistency as NorthEast United FC eye first points

FC Goa are out looking for more points as they face NorthEast United FC in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on Saturday. The Gaurs are currently in the last playoff spot in the table, just two points clear of Chennaiyin FC in seventh. Meanwhile, the Highlanders are still without a win and sit at the bottom of the Hero ISL.

Out of four home games so far, the Gaurs have won three. Apart from the 2-0 loss to Bengaluru FC, FC Goa have been dominant in their other home games, winning all of them 3-0. Last week, Carlos Pena’s side emerged on top against Odisha FC by that margin.

Noah Sadaoui contributed to all three goals by scoring one and assisting the other two. The attacker comes into this game with eight goal contributions in nine games. Striker Alvaro Vasquez ended his barren run by scoring his first goal of the season against the Juggernauts. Edu Bedia will also be available after serving his suspension during the last game.

“We have a focus on repeating the performance we displayed against Odisha last week. Everyone in the dressing room knows that NorthEast have not won any game till now, but that does not matter,” said Pena. “They have a new coach and are searching for the first point and victory. Our goal for tomorrow is to replicate last week’s performance and to get three points,” he added.

Approaching the midway point of the season, NorthEast United FC are yet to get off the mark. Last week, under the new management of Vincenzo Annese, they lost 7-3 against Chennaiyin FC. But there were signs of improvement as the Highlanders nearly doubled their goal tally for the season in that game, and have gotten on the scoresheet in four out of their last five games.

Striker Wilmar Jordan scored his first goal of the season from the spot, with Romain Philippoteaux and Rochharzela also getting their names on the scoresheet. However, at the back, NorthEast United FC failed to keep Chennaiyin FC at bay.