Chennaiyin, NorthEast battle it out for the last semi-final slot

by FC Admin April 6, 2019

After an impressive Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2018-19 season, Eelco Schattorie’s NorthEast United FC will be back in action when they face off against Chennaiyin FC in the Hero Super Cup 2019 quarter-finals at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Sunday. The winner of the match will progress to the semi-finals of the knockout tournament.

Chennaiyin FC

The two-time Hero ISL champions have had a horrible season, finishing at the bottom of the Hero ISL table with just 9 points from their 18 league matches. John Gregory’s men, however, have shown signs of improvement since, remaining unbeaten in their last four matches in the AFC Cup 2019 and the Super Cup. Jeje Lalpekhlua and Co. put on an impressive performance to overcome Mumbai City FC 2-0 in the pre-quarterfinal stage. Both of Chennaiyin’s strikers – CK Vineeth and Jeje – found the net against the Islanders and will look to continue the positive momentum against NorthEast.

Perhaps the biggest positive for Chennaiyin post the Hero ISL has been their defence. After ending the Hero ISL 2018-19 campaign with the worst defensive record (conceded 32 goals in 18 matches), the likes of Mailson Alves, Christopher Herd, Eli Sabia seem to have transformed completely, keeping four clean sheets in as many matches post the Hero ISL season.

Midfielder Anirudh Thapa, in particular, has been in fine form of late and can be expected to play a pivotal role on Sunday.

NorthEast United FC

Despite plagued by several injuries over the course of the Hero ISL 2018-19 season, the Highlanders were one of the most impressive sides of the season. Eelco Schattorie guided the team to the semi-finals of the tournament for the first time in the club’s history before being knocked out by eventual champions Bengaluru FC. NorthEast will be eager to add at least another semi-final appearance in their season’s highlights and a win over Chennaiyin on Sunday will put them in the final four and within striking distance of the title.

Up front, the prolific Bartholomew Ogbeche is expected to spearhead the Highlanders’ attack. The Nigerian scored 12 goals in the Hero ISL and will be eager to add to his tally for the season. The likes of Rowllin Borges, Juan Mascia, Mato Grgic and Redeem Tlang have had an impressive Hero ISL season and will look to continue their form in the Hero Super Cup. However, Schattorie will be missing the services of midfield talisman Federico Gallego, who suffered a fracture during the second-leg of the Hero ISL semi-final tie against Bengaluru.

by Aiff media