ISL 2020-21 CLUB PREVIEW: Will NorthEast challenge for mid-table positions?

NorthEast United have spent a relatively long time in the competition. But despite reaching the playoffs on a few occasions, success continues to allude them. The Highlanders will be hoping their efforts come good this time after a below-par season last time around.

So can NEUFC break the shackles to be an outsider for the playoffs? We take a look:

NorthEast United FC Football Match Tickets, Schedule & News 2019 |  BookMyShow

TRANSFERS

NorthEast United have signed up Mohun Bagan right back Ashutosh Mehta and Dylan Fox from A-league club Central Coast to reinforce their defensive depth. They have also added Idrissa Sylla to their ranks, who is known to be a lethal striker.

The club, however, let go of Redeem Tlang and Milan Singh to stronger rivals Goa and East Bengal respectively. Releasing Martin Chaves might not be a sensible move either, considering his talent and experience.

SQUAD LIST

GOALKEEPERS

  • Gurmeet
  • Nikhil Deka
  • Sanjiban Ghosh
  • Subhashish Roy

DEFENDERS

  • Ashutosh Mehta
  • Benjamin Lambot
  • Dylan Fox
  • Gurjinder Kumar
  • Mashoor Shereef
  • Nabin Rabha
  • Nim Dorjee
  • Provat Lakra
  • Rakesh Pradhan
  • Wayne Vaz

MIDFIELDERS

  • Federico Gallego
  • Imran Khan
  • Khassa Camara
  • Lalengmawia
  • Lalrempuia Fanai
  • Pragyan Gogoi
  • Rochharzela

FORWARDS

  • Britto PM
  • Idrissa Sylla
  • Ninthoinganba Meetei
  • Kwesi Appiah
  • Lalkhawpuimawia
  • Luis Machado
  • Suhari Vadakkepeedika

STRENGTH

NorthEast’s biggest asset is their collective mental strength to stay in the game and give their all till the very end. Even last season, they played out to draw matches and secure points and also occasionally struck late to take home 1-0 wins or 1-1 draws.

WEAKNESS

Undoubtedly, it is their defensive organisation. The Highlanders were all over the place in 2019/20 and they held the second-worst defensive record in the tournament, conceding 30 goals. But, they will hope that the new signings like Fox and Ashutosh Mehta can shore up the leaky defence.

KEY PLAYER

Subhasish Roy Chowdhury - Player profile 20/21 | Transfermarkt

Keeping a side in the hunt is not easy, and for that very reason, it is necessary to estimate the value of a good goalkeeper in the form of Subashish Roy Chowdhury, who has made crucial saves in the past to maintain clean sheets. His services will be required this time around as well, with quality opponents determined to find the back of the NorthEast net.

PREDICTED TABLE FINISH

10th place – Although they have spirit, it will not be enough for them to launch a concerted challenge for even midtable glory and will have to settle with the bottom places.

Do check out:

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

More like this

Top 5 Highest Goal Scorers in ISL History: Legends of the Indian Super League

Top 5 Highest Goal Scorers in ISL History: Legends...

.The Indian Super League (ISL) has transformed into a thrilling football competition, continuously raising the bar in...
Top 5 players with the most goals for Indian national football team

Top 5 players with the most goals for the...

Football is still a sport that is on the rise in India, with it still finding its...
ISL 2024/25: Ahmed Jahouh’s Sudden Odisha FC Exit Raises Eyebrows

ISL 2024/25: Ahmed Jahouh’s Sudden Odisha FC Exit Raises...

In a dramatic development, Odisha FC's midfield maestro Ahmed Jahouh has parted ways with the club in...
ISL 2024/25: Which Teams Can Still Secure a Spot in the Playoffs?

ISL 2024/25: Which Teams Can Still Secure a Spot...

An in-depth look at the possible routes to the top-six playoff positions as the ISL 2024/25 season...
East Bengal Strengthens Attack with Raphael Messi Bouli’s Signing

East Bengal Strengthens Attack with Raphael Messi Bouli’s Signing

In a bold move to bolster their attack amid a turbulent season, East Bengal FC has secured...

LATEST NEWS

WPL 2025: Mumbai Indians Women vs UP Warriorz Women – Preview, Prediction and Where To Watch The Match LIVE

The first half of the ongoing WPL 2025 is nearing its conclusion, with the Chinnaswamy Stadium set to host a clash between Mumbai Indians...

Champions Trophy 2025: Afghanistan vs England – Preview, Prediction and Where To Watch The Match LIVE

The Group B clash of the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025 will see Afghanistan (AFG) take on England (ENG) on Wednesday, February 26, at Lahore's...

Champions Trophy 2025: Australia vs South Africa Abandoned After Persistent Rawalpindi Rain

The highly awaited Champions Trophy fixture between Australia and South Africa in Rawalpindi ended in disappointment as unrelenting rain prevented any play. Not a...

WPL 2025: DC Pacers Restrict Giants as Jonassen Leads A Successful Chase

Delhi Capitals (DC) seamers claimed seven wickets before Jess Jonassen’s unbeaten 61 off 32 balls powered a comfortable six-wicket win over Gujarat Giants (GG) in...

Featured