Odisha FC would like to regain momentum by defeating NorthEast United before the playoffs

The juggernauts will look to get some positive momentum ahead of the playoffs as Odisha FC take on hosts NorthEast United FC in their Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 match to be played at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium here this evening.

At one time this season, Odisha (Juggernauts) looked to be on top of the table, but their form has deteriorated recently, losing eight points out of 15 in the last five matches. At the moment, they are not only out of the race for ISL 2023-24 League Winners but cannot even reach the second position. This means that they will have to fight in the playoffs for the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, the NorthEast (Highlanders) team will end an interesting season by playing its last league match today. After a disappointing 2022–23 campaign, NorthEast United performed better under new head coach Juan Pedro Benali.

The Highlanders have won five and drawn eight in 21 matches. Although a top-six finish is out of their reach, they would like to end their campaign with a win.

“We did our best and we are proud,” NorthEast United FC’s Spanish head coach Juan Pedro Benali said before the match on Friday. Sometimes, the game of football is cruel. We had a bad day that day. Both the teams were striving for victory. It would have been good for us if we had got a draw. But, that’s football. Best wishes to all the teams that have reached the playoffs including Chennaiyin FC.”

Odisha FC assistant coach Floyd Pinto said in the pre-match press conference, “The league is not over. We still have three points to win. Overall, we are out of the race for the League Winners title but are in the playoffs which says a lot about the efforts of the team staff. Today, the expectation is to set high standards for the club.”

Let us tell you that a total of 19 matches have been played between the two teams so far, out of which NorthEast United FC has won 5 and Odisha FC has won 9 matches, while 5 matches have been drawn.