Struggling NorthEast United FC to take Odisha FC

BHUBANESWAR: With five wins in seven games, third-placed Odisha FC have a chance to leapfrog Hyderabad FC and go level on points with league-leaders Mumbai City FC on Friday as they host a struggling NorthEast United FC, who have no points from seven games in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) this season.

NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) find themselves trapped with their worst ever start to a season. They are yet to get off the mark after losing all seven games, and have scored only thrice in that time. That is the lowest tally in the league at the moment, alongside the fact that they have conceded 16 goals, which is the most by any team.

"The staff is good and they help me a lot. The players are highly motivated in training and are working very hard. I cannot complain about the effort on the pitch because in every game they fight till the end," said head coach Balbul. "It's not easy to keep going and stay motivated with these results. But we believe we can change things on the pitch. We will keep going and fight in every game until we change the situation," he added.

In the last meeting between these teams earlier this year in the Durand Cup, NorthEast United FC were beaten 6-0 by Odisha FC. In the Hero ISL, the two sides have faced each other six times. The Juggernauts have won thrice, while NorthEast United have nabbed two wins, and one game has ended in a draw. (IANS)

Also Read:  Mumbai City FC go top of the table after defeating NEUFC in Hero Indian Super League

Also watch: