Indian Super League: Game Week 8
Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru
8 November, 2024
Bengaluru FC will host NorthEast United at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru in the Indian Super League for game week 8. Both teams are in good form in this season. Who will be the winner after 90 minutes?
Get Your Sign-Up Bonus!Bengaluru FC Form
What seemed to define the six games during which the Blues were not beaten suffered a sudden reverse in their 3-0 defeat at Fatorda, from where they had been unbeaten for six games, boasting a rock-solid defense that has only conceded one goal and claimed five clean sheets from their last six games. They were found rather vulnerable, allowing a total of 19 shots towards the goalmouth. They take possession more or less, 61% in the second half with defensive frailty as they faced ten attempts on goal.
This unusual display does raise questions over their defensive formation going into the game with North East, who have chalked up 17 goals for the league to date. Save for some soft moments at the back, though, injury worries are at zero and changes on the tactical front look likely as they tighten up their defense for what promises to be a rugged battle.
Bengaluru FC Probable Starting Lineup
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK); Nikhil Poojary, Rahul Bheke, A Jovanovic, N Singh (Defenders); S Wangjam, P Capo, A Noguera (Mid Fielders); S Chhetri, E Mendez, V Venkatesh (Forwards)
NorthEast United Form
NorthEast United started the 2024-25 ISL season quite explosively, combining a high-intensity press with an aggressive approach going forward. Such a start would give them early possession in matches and disrupt opponents' build-up play. The recent match against Odisha FC was a great example of this, when continuous pressure forced them to shift to long-ball strategies, which suited NorthEast's game plan.
Their stats tell their story of offensive prowess—they top the league with 17 goals in as many games. NorthEast are second in ball creation (86) and third in shots (80), displaying a consistent potent approach going forward. The frontline, comprising Parthib Gogoi, Nestor Albiach, Jithin MS, and Ajaraie, tamed Odisha FC's defense last week and will look to do so again against the pitiful Bengaluru FC that failed to score against Goa.
Ajaraie has netted nine goals in some style and will be instrumental in getting his stats going throughout the campaign. The whole team is at the disposal of the management and there shouldn't be any alteration as NorthEast United heads into their game against Bengaluru in an excellent confidence and form.
NorthEast United Starting XI
Gurmeet Singh (GK), Buanthanglun Samte, Zabaco, Akhtar, Soraisham, Mayakkannan, Mohammad Ali, Ajaraie, Nestor, Jithin, Parthib Gogoi.
Bengaluru FC Vs NorthEast United Best Predictions
The team has headed to a clash at Kanteerava Stadium with them being the favourites with never having lost the at home during 2024/25 ISL campaign. NorthEast United on the other hand boasts off a decent away form : one win, draw each and one loss accompanied with six goals scored as well as conceded.
Bengaluru has had a tricky match venue, with the home side collecting two wins and three draws in the last five matches played here against NorthEast United. With an xG of 2.5 to 3, this will be a competition sure thing.
One doesn't really expect the match to go to a draw, especially given NorthEast United's aggressive style, which includes sustained high-pressing and Bengaluru's tight defense except for that one recent defeat. For Bengaluru, one definitely would take it away from NorthEast United if they manage to capitalize on NorthEast United's high defensive line.