ISL: NorthEast United FC Faces Off Against Struggling Mohammedan SC
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Guwahati, Jan 2 (NationPress) NorthEast United FC is set to take on Mohammedan SC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on Friday.
NorthEast United FC is currently experiencing a solid season, positioned in the upper tier of the standings, whereas Mohammedan SC finds itself at the bottom, having accrued only six points from 13 matches. The Highlanders head into this match with confidence after a resounding 3-0 victory against Mumbai City FC, while the visitors are grappling with three consecutive losses on the road.
This matchup marks the second ISL encounter between these teams; a win for the Highlanders would enable them to achieve a league double for the first time since the 2020-21 season.
The two clubs display starkly different trajectories in the league. NorthEast United FC has successfully capitalized on their scoring opportunities, netting 15 goals from 27 chances. Overall, the home side has scored the highest number of goals (29) in the league so far. On the other hand, Mohammedan SC has struggled offensively, with 16 of their 22 goals conceded occurring in the latter stages of matches.
For NorthEast United FC, this match presents an opportunity to maintain their momentum following the impressive away win against the Islanders. They aim to secure maximum points to climb higher than their current fourth position.
NorthEast United FC has shown strength in attack, with Alaaeddine Ajaraie being a standout performer, boasting 87 touches in the opponent's box over 13 games and tallying 14 goals. He has received strong support from Guillermo Fernandez and Nestor Albiach, both contributing four goals each.
The Highlanders are eager to bounce back at home after a goalless performance in their last match on their turf. They aim to avoid consecutive home-game goalless streaks, a scenario not seen since December 2019 to February 2020. In contrast, Mohammedan SC has allowed six goals in their last three outings.
This season, Mohammedan SC has secured only one victory in 13 matches and is nearing the record set by Hyderabad FC (6 points in 14 games during the 2019-20 season) for the lowest points total after 14 matches in ISL history.
Despite having conceded the fewest first-half goals this season (6), Mohammedan SC has proven susceptible in the second half, indicating the need for significant defensive improvements to maintain match intensity and withstand late-game pressure from rivals.
In their prior matchup, NorthEast United FC claimed victory with a close 1-0 win.
Head coach Juan Pedro Benali of NorthEast United FC has expressed his desire for his team to maintain and enhance specific aspects of their gameplay moving forward.
“Our management of pressure moments, concentration, and the lessons we've learned are critical as we look ahead to 2025. Moving forward, we need to strive for greater composure,” Benali stated.
Mohammedan SC's head coach Andrey Chernyshov acknowledged NorthEast United FC for their recent achievements and progress.
“NorthEast United FC has produced some remarkable results last season and currently sits in the top half of the table. They also captured the Durand Cup and are considered one of the league's top teams, as evidenced by their 3-0 triumph over Mumbai City FC,” Chernyshov remarked.
