The Mariners will play their second home game of the season and will aim to grab their first win after sharing spoils with Mumbai City FC in the opening clash. NorthEast United meanwhile, earned a win in their first game, courtesy of a late goal by Alaeddine Ajaraie against Mohammedan SC. They will now take on the Mariners whom they defeated a few weeks back in the Durand Cup 2024 final and will be upbeat to land their third successive win in Kolkata.
Mariners’ goal-scoring record:
Mohun Bagan Super Giant have scored in 15 out of the 16 ISL games they have played in 2024. They have found the back of the net in 11 straight games and are now one short of their ISL streak of 12 matches (between March 2021 and January 2022).
Defensively disciplined Highlanders:
NorthEast United FC have kept three clean sheets in the last four games, including two on a trot in the previous couple of matches. If they keep the Mariners at bay in the coming match, it will be the first time that they wouldn’t concede a goal in three consecutive encounters in the ISL.
Coach’s Corner
“We have to defend better”
Mohun Bagan Super Giant coach Jose Molina is cautious about his team conceding goals. His side led the Mumbai City FC match 2-0 at the break but after that, gave away two strikes to give up the lead and the three points. He is determined to turn things around in the upcoming fixtures.
“We have to play better and defend better to win matches. Of course, at this moment I’m upset. I’m working every day with my players to avoid conceding goals. We have to focus on that, keep working, stay positive, and hopefully, in the next matches, we will play better,” he said.
“Our job is to make it difficult for Mohun Bagan SG”
Juan Pedro Benali is predicting the Mohun Bagan Super Giant to come out strongly after their draw against the Islanders.
“Mohun Bagan haven’t had the best of results in the last few games. We are talking about a big club, a big team here. They will be eager to get over us and our job is to make it as much as difficult for them. The players are ready,” Benali said.
Additional Stories
https://www.indiansuperleague.com/interviews/we-need-to-take-care-of-the-ball-better-greg-stewart
https://www.indiansuperleague.com/interviews/parthib-gogoi-eyes-more-silverware-after-northeast-united-fcs-durand-cup-win
Key Players & Milestones
Both the teams have influential players who can determine the outcome of this fixture.
Mohun Bagan fans would be hopeful of Dimitri Petratos scoring and creating chances for his teammates. It is notable to mention that the Australian firepower had netted 10 goals and delivered seven assists last season, creating 60 chances in the process.
NorthEast United will be reliant on their pacey winger Jithin MS, who loves toying with the opposition full-backs. The 26-year-old created two chances and delivered two key passes against Mohammedan SC and will look to bag his maiden goal of this campaign when he takes the field against the Mariners. He had seven touches in the opposition’s box against Mohammedan SC, the joint-most by any player for his team (also Guillermo Fernandez).
NorthEast United FC midfielder Mohammed Bemmamer won back possession 13 times against Mohammedan SC, the joint-most times by any player in a single ISL game in 2024.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant attacker Liston Colaco Mohun Bagan Super Giant has eight goals against NorthEast United FC, the highest such tally by any player against the Highlanders in the ISL and also Liston’s highest such tally against any single opposition in the competition.
Indian Super League will be streamed live free on JioCinema (English, Hindi, Bengali and Malayalam) and telecasted live on Sports 18 — 3 (English, Hindi, Bengali and Malayalam), Asianet Plus (Malayalam). Additionally Sports 18 — 1, Sports 18 — 2 and Sports 18 — Khel will also broadcast live select ISL matches.
