ISL: NorthEast focused on the job despite goalkeeper crisis at Bengaluru FC

Guwahati, December 7: NorthEast United FC are aware of the goalkeeping crisis at Bengaluru FC, but coach Joao de Deus has warned that his side will not be at an advantage in Friday's Indian Super League (ISL) clash at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati.

AR: The situation with Sunil Chhetri? He's married, and he's available for tomorrow. He joined the team here and he's ready. I think he's the most professional player I've had in my career. #NEUBEN

— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) December 7, 2017

Bengaluru FC's Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has been suspended for two matches after the Indian national team custodian picked up a red card against FC Goa in the previous match. Abhra Mondal is injured, and even though the injured Lalthuammawia Ralte has returned to the side, rookie Calvin Abhishek remains the only fit goalkeeper.

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was given his matching orders following this incident!

Watch it LIVE on @hotstartweets: https://t.co/A6lH5Iyy4J
JioTV users can watch it LIVE on the app. #ISLMoments #GOABEN #LetsFootball pic.twitter.com/vCSvZJOyNe

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) November 30, 2017

Ralte returns

"The advantage would be only if Bengaluru FC play without a goalkeeper. But honestly that won't happen. They will have a goalkeeper. I don't care about it because I must look at my team. If it's Calvin, Ralte, Gurpreet or anyone else, it's for their coach to decide, not me. I know for sure that TP (Rehenesh) will be our goalkeeper and they will have one goalkeeper," the NorthEast United coach said.

📸 from our pre match practice. #Highlanders take on Bengaluru FC tomorrow looking for our first home win of the season. #8States1United #NEUFC pic.twitter.com/1d6GI4pzik

— NorthEast United FC (@NEUtdFC) December 7, 2017

Bengaluru FC coach Albert Roca was still undecided on his first-choice goalkeeper for the clash with regular goalkeeper Gurpreet suspended and Abhra injured. Ralte, Roca said, "wasn't sure," possibly leaving him with no choice but field Calvin. "I have some problems at the back with regard to goalkeepers but these are circumstances that I cannot change. I am confident in my goalkeepers and that whoever plays will do his job well," said Roca.

The visitors, however, will have their talismanic striker and captain, Sunil Chhetri, available. The India captain has joined the team after tying the knot with his long-time girlfriend.

"He is married and available for tomorrow. He joined the team here and he is ready. I think he is the most professional player I've had in my career," said the coach.

AR: The @AFCCup commitments come in during the @IndSuperLeague and we have to be prepared. We have to be careful about injuries, and we'll have to plan well. #NEUBEN

— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) December 7, 2017

The match presents an opportunity for NorthEast United to capitalise on BFC's weakness in front of goal and their low morale after the defeat in Goa. NorthEast themselves secured an important win against Delhi Dynamos in the previous match and are now confident they can add to their winning tally.

"We are better today than 15 days ago when we played Jamshedpur. For 15 days, we worked hard to create our own identity. We are better. I am sure that Bengaluru FC are also better than their first game," said Joao de Deus.

NorthEast United are placed sixth on the table with four points from three matches while Bengaluru FC are on top with six points and a super goal difference after three matches.

NorthEast United FC vs Bengaluru FC

Indian Super League

Live from Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium

at 8 pm

on Start Sports 2 and Hotstar

Source: ISL Media