East Bengal vs. Northeast United, Durand Cup semi preview, head-to-head stats: Cuadrat plans a different game plan for the Highlanders

Emami East Bengal will face Northeast United FC in the Durand Cup 2023 semifinals on Tuesday at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Stadium in Kolkata. The Red and Yellow brigade defeated Gokulam Kerala in the quarter-finals by 2-1 whereas Northeast United went past the Indian Army football club by 1-0 to qualify for the semis. Both teams will be looking to qualify for the final with the hope of tasting success after quite a time. Read the full match East Bengal vs. Northeast United, Durand Cup 2023 semi-final preview as we take you through the updates from the practice grounds in Kolkata.

Match Details: East Bengal vs. Northeast United

Date: 29/8/2023

Time: 6 pm

Venue: Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Stadium, Kolkata.

Live Streaming: Sony LIV and Sony Ten 1.

East Bengal vs. Northeast United | Head-to-head record

In the six times both teams have faced each other in ISL, East Bengal have managed to win only once. Meanwhile, the Highlanders have dominated the club from Kolkata with three wins against them. Two times both teams shared points.

Read Also: "It will be a tough game but we have a game plan," East Bengal coach Carles Cuadrat has a game plan to stop the Highlanders in the Durand Cup 2023 Semi-Final

East Bengal vs. Northeast United | Latest results

Team News | East Bengal vs. Northeast United: Duran Cup 2023 semi-final

Emami East Bengal

Emami East Bengal have found their mojo back under coach Carles Cuadrat after the derby win against Mohun Bagan on 12th August. After that win, they went on to defeat Punjab FC in a must-win game at Kishore Bharati Stadium followed by a win against Gokulam Kerala in the quarters. This is the first time since 2019 that they have managed to win three back-to-back games. Although Carles sounded confident, he is cautious as well.

"We are in the semi-finals after playing out an intense quarter-final against Gokulam. NorthEast United have been unbeaten in this tournament so far. They have a good mix of youth and experience, which makes them a very competitive unit. It's going to be a challenging match for us," Carles stated ahead of the semi-final.

After the last training session before the match, it was quite obvious that Nishu Kumar would be roped in to play in the left flank while Mandar Rao Desai would come back on the right. Naorem Mahesh in that case was used in just behind Javier Siverio, who will act as the main striker just like in the previous games. Along with that, José Antonio Pardo might come to the team to replace Borja Herrera. Jordan Elsey and Harmanajot Khabra will stay as the key players in the back for them.

As far as the injury is concerned, coach has confirmed that everyone is fit and available for selection ahead of the East Bengal vs. Northeast United clash.

Northeast United FC

Just like their opponent, Northeast United is still unbeaten in the Durand Cup 2023. After beating the Indian Army Football team by 1-0, they will also be confident of remaining unbeaten in the tournament. Although the Army team gave them a great fight, the ISL team always had the better of them. With seven foreigners in the squad along with some great young Indian talents, the Highlanders will be ready to battle the Kolkata giant.

Phalguni Singh, Rochharzela along with Ibson Melo, Nestor Albiach and Romain Philippoteaux create a formidable attacking line for Juan Pedro Benali's team. In the defensive line, they have the services of Míchel Zabaco, captain Gaurav Bora, Tondonba and Dinesh Singh. In the last match, midfielders Redeem Tlang and Manvir Singh had impressed as well. So, all-in-all the Highlanders look like a solid team to give East Bengal a run for their money.

"This semi-final isn't just another match. We're playing in Kolkata against the home team, in front of their fans. And East Bengal are a team with quality players in all positions and on the bench too. We're here to represent our region and fight for our people. Our fans believe in us and we want to make them proud. Together, as one, we'll give it our all and make history," Juan Pedro Benali said ahead of the East Bengal vs. Northeast United semi-final.