NorthEast United FC and Odisha FC Eye to Grab First Win in ISL 2019

Our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI: NorthEast United FC and Odisha FC will seek their first win of the Hero Indian Super League season 2019 when they will lock horns at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium here on Saturday. The match will kick off at 7-30 in the evening.

NorthEast United started their campaign with a goalless draw away from home to Bengaluru FC while Odisha FC suffered a 1-2 defeat at the hands of Jamshedpur FC in their ISL debut match.

Although it will be the first home game for NEUFC but the stage doesn’t look perfect for them. The city witnessed unseasonal rain for the entire day and the forecast report, released by the metrological office, predicts similar weather on Saturday also. If the rain continues then it can bring a negative effect on the turnout.

However head coach Robert Jarni is totally focused on the game. Talking to the media persons at the pre-match press conference here today Jarni admitted that he is pleased with the way the team defended against a strong Bengaluru FC. “I am happy with the point (against Bengaluru FC). The team worked hard against the defending champions. Now at home, we will look to play more attacking football. We are ready for that kind of football as well,” said Jarni.

However, the Croatian will want his forward line to start converting chances. With Uruguayan attacking midfielder Martin Chaves looking sharp against Bengaluru, star striker Asamoah Gyan can again expect good service.

For Odisha, the game will be all about making their opportunities count. They were caught out on the counter numerous times against Jamshedpur in the previous game despite playing against 10 men. Coach Josep Gombau would have been left frustrated with how they conceded a late goal. The defense, led by Carlos Delgado, needs to buckle up against the likes of Gyan and Chaves.

Given that the Spaniard advocates a possession-based philosophy, Odisha must make the most of their chances while remaining cautious against counter-attacks.

“We have our own way to play. We respect the team we are playing against a lot. We’re satisfied with our players. We discussed the result (against Jamshedpur) with all players. We had a few chances, but we couldn’t score,” said Gombau.

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