East Bengal vs NorthEast United: East Bengal looking to take home advantage in next two games

East Bengal will face NorthEast United FC on Monday in Kolkata to get back to winning some points in Indian Super League 2023-24. After three back-to-back losses and one draw in their last four games, the home team will be desperate to earn some valuable points when they host the Highlanders at their home in Kolkata. East Bengal head coach Carles Cuadrat was clear about taking the home advantage in the next two games ahead of the East Bengal vs NorthEast United face-off at VBYK in Kolkata.

East Bengal yet to win a game since September 30

It has been more than two months since the Red and God Brigade have won games in the league. Their last win in the Indian Super League 2023-24 came when they defeated Hyderabad FC at their home by 2-1 on 30th September. Hence, after so many disappointing results in away games, Coach Carles Cuadrat is now hopeful of getting the team back to winning and having six points within the next seven days.

"We have to take advantage of the next two games to try to get points at home. In one week, we have the opportunity to be here next Sunday with six more points. That makes a big difference," Cuadrat said in the pre-match press conference.

East Bengal vs NorthEast United: Six points in next two games can change a lot of things for Cuadrat's men

In the press conference on Sunday, head coach Carles Cuadrat also pointed out the fact that, a lot of the teams in ISL have played eight games so far, while they have played only six games. Now, with two games at their home in the coming week, they surely will have the chance to stir the points table if they can get the full points from those two games.

"Lot of teams have played eight games and we have played six games. So, this means if you get points from these two games, it gives us a chance," Cudarat added.

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Defence is the hole East Bengal need to fill

With the front line back at scoring, East Bengal can surely be hopeful to outscore NorthEast United at their home. Players like Naorem Mahesh Singh, Nandhakumar Sekar, and Cleiton Silva have been able to find the net in previous games. However, defending well till the last minute of the game, have been an issue for East Bengal off-late. Now, with the strikers stepping up, they will be hopeful that the backline will surely be back in form in the next two home games.

Mohammed Ali Bemammer to miss the East Bengal vs NorthEast United match

NorthEast United midfielder Mohammed Ali Bemammer will be missing the game against East Bengal due to an injury. Regarding his absence the Highlanders' coach Juan Pedro Bengali said: "We have 26 players; we have to find a solution. Everybody is ready to play and I think whoever will play instead of Mohammed Ali Bemammer will do his job well."

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East Bengal vs NorthEast United: Head to head record

Played – 6

East Bengal FC – 1

NorthEast United FC – 3

East Bengal vs NorthEast United: Key stats before the match

A victory in this crucial match would etch Naorem Mahesh Singh's name into the annals of history, securing his position as the player with the highest number of wins in ISL for East Bengal FC. Presently standing shoulder to shoulder with Ankit Mukherjee at 8 wins for the Red and Gold Brigade.