Match 104 Preview: A fight for pride as SC East Bengal takes on NorthEast United FC

SC East Bengal will take on NorthEast United FC in match 104 of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 at Tilak Maidan Stadium, Vasco da Gama on Monday in a bid to finish their season on a high note.

SC East Bengal are placed at the bottom of the points table with 10 points in 18 matches. On the other hand, NorthEast United FC are ranked tenth with 13 points in 19 matches.

With only three points separating the two teams, it will be a battle to avoid finishing bottom of the table.

Head To Head

NorthEast United FC have never dropped a point against SC East Bengal. They have faced each other on three occasions, all of which have been won by NEUFC.

Form Guide

SC East Bengal: LDLLL

SC East Bengal have managed only one point from their last five matches. They have registered only one win this season along with seven draws. In their previous encounter, SC East Bengal lost 1-0 to Mumbai City FC where they had five shots on target compared to MFCFC’s three.

NorthEast United FC: LLLWL

NorthEast United FC have won only one match in their last five games, beating Bengaluru FC 2-1. NorthEast United FC lost 3-2 to Jamshedpur FC in their last match. Despite going 2-0 down NEUFC had come back to make it all square but a late winner by Greg Stewart saw them go home empty handed.

Team News

There are some players who won't be able to take the field for SC East Bengal, Jackichand Singh is one of them who didn't train. Meanwhile, NorthEast United FC have the full squad at their disposal.

Key Players

SC East Bengal FC

Antonio Perosevic: He has shown glimmers of what he brings to SC East Bengal, contributing with three goals and an assist so far. But with the intention of finishing the season strongly, Perosevic would be determined to bring out his best in the remaining two matches.

Darren Sidoel: Sidoel has proved to be a handy mid-fielder with three goals, striking at a conversion rate of 50%.

NorthEast United FC

Deshorn Brown: The striker needs needs one goal to become the sole leading goal scorer for NEUFC in Hero ISL, adding to his current tally of 12 goals.

Marcelinho: He has been putting up impressive performances for NEUFC, but he finally got his first goal for the club in their loss to Jamshedpur FC. Since signing for the club in January, no NEUFC player has created more chances than Marcelinho (16), making him an important cog in NorthEast United FC’s offence.

66': 🅰️
67': ⚽️

Substitute @marcelinholeite was involved in two goals, helping @NEUtdFC draw level in the second half! 🇧🇷🔥 #NEUJFC #HeroISL #LetsFootball #NorthEastUnitedFC #Marcelinho pic.twitter.com/fXBfIK1jvl
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) February 25, 2022

Key Stats

Defending against an unwanted record

NorthEast United FC have conceded 42 goals this season, the highest by any side. The record for most goals conceded in a single season of the Hero ISL is held by Odisha FC (44 goals in 2020-21 Hero ISL), meaning that the Highlanders are two conceded goals away from equalling this.

A habit of dropping points

NEUFC have dropped 16 points from winning positions this season, more than any other side. SCEB have dropped 14 points from winning positions this season, second worst record behind NEUFC.