BENGALURU: Bengaluru FC have been the standout team in the Indian Super League this season. If their attack found goals at crucial junctures, their defence has been right up there, conceding just four goals to help them stay at the top of the table with 16 points. Even though the Blues suffered a 0-3 loss to FC Goa on Saturday, they are upbeat about their next fixture against an in-form NorthEast United FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium here on Friday.
In fact, their defence has not been breached even once (in four matches) at home with senior players Rahul Bheke and goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who is one away from collecting a record 50 clean sheets in the competition, bringing their experience into play. The duo will have to be on their toes against a team, which is not short on confidence either.
The Highlanders have scored 17 goals -- highest in the league this season. Moroccan forward Alaaeddine Ajaraie has contributed nine of those, including two each in their last two matches against Odisha FC and Jamshedpur FC. NorthEast, who have scored ten goals in their last three matches, have scored at least once in all their seven games, showcasing their attacking prowess.
No wonder, Bengaluru head coach Gerard Zaragoza has billed the contest as BFC defence vs NorthEast attack. “Of course, we have a plan (against their strikers). They have strikers who score every game. But also, we need to remember that we are the team with more clean sheets. We have the best defensive team in the league. And I think it will be a nice game to see one with very good attack against one with very good defence.”
The Blues' defence cannot alone win games, players up front have to be clinical in front of goal. Bengaluru attackers, including Sunil Chhetri, Edgar Mendez and others must come to the Fortress with their scoring boots on and they will be even more determined after drawing a blank against Goa. If they get back to their winning ways, Bengaluru can strengthen their position at the top and increase their lead to six points. Likewise, three points for Highlanders will rocket them to second spot. With big points at stake for both teams, a close contest is on the cards.
