ISL Fantasy 2017/18: Tips for Bengaluru FC vs NorthEast United 

Match 57 of ISL 2017/18 will see Bengaluru FC take on NorthEast United. Both teams come into the match on the back of fine wins. Bengaluru FC will look for a win that will send them to the top of the table.

Goalkeepers

Gurpreet Sandhu: The Indian national team goalkeeper had a forgettable start to the campaign getting sent off. But since his return, Sandhu has proved his quality making crucial saves when required. With NorthEast United having scored just in one away match, Sandhu has a good chance of keeping a clean sheet.

Defenders

Jose Goncalves: The Portuguese has been NorthEast United’s best defender, leading by example. The experienced defender has also been a threat in set-piece situations due to his big frame. He has made the most interceptions by a NorthEast United defender so far.

Juanan: The Spanish defender has done his job well so far, impressing with his no-nonsense defending and tight man-marking. The 30-year-old will be the key to stopping NorthEast United’s in-form attack and maintain Bengaluru FC’s good defensive record at home.

John Johnson: The Middlesbrough academy graduate has excelled in ISL, leading Bengaluru FC’s defence. He has been a big reason for Bengaluru’s fine defensive record so far. The 28-year-old is dominant aerially which also makes him a threat in the opposition box.

Nirmal Chettri: The Bhaicung Bhutia soccer school product has impressed with his rugged defensive performances so far. Nirmal has attempted 35 tackles, the most by a NorthEast United player. His ability to get up and down the flanks means he can also pop up with attacking returns.

Midfielders

Dimas Delgado: Dimas Delgado has attempted 562 passes this season, the most by any Bengaluru midfielder. It is due to his perfect shielding that allows the other players the freedom to move forward. He has managed an incredible average pass of 70.25 per game, only Ahmed Jahouh (82.00) has managed more this season.

Len Doungel: Len Doungel scored a brilliant hat-trick helping NorthEast United claim a shock 3-1 win over top of the table Chennaiyin FC. Doungel 's hat-trick was the first by an Indian in ISL 2017/18. He has now scored four goals, the most by a NorthEast United player.

Marcinho: Marcinho has impressed with his ability to skip away from opposition challenges and his ability to dictate play. He was arguably the only player who has impressed for NorthEast United in an otherwise underwhelming campaign so far. If NorthEast United are to claim another shock win, the Brazilian will have to be at his best.

Forwards

Udanta Singh: The speedy forward is a threat due to his direct running and dribbling ability. He has got into some dangerous positions so far but has failed to provide the finishing touch. He has provided three assists so far, only Edu Garcia has provided more assists.

Sunil Chhetri: Sunil Chhetri scored a brace against Mumbai City FC. The record Indian goalscorer has so far contributed with seven goals and an assist and has equalled his best ever goal tally in an ISL season. The 33-year-old is also the joint Indian goal scorer in ISL 2017/18.

Miku: Bengaluru FC won their last match 3-1 courtesy of another goal by Miku, he scored his ninth goal of the campaign and is now the second highest scorer of ISL 2017/18. The Venezuelan’s deadly shooting can be highlighted by the fact that he has attempted 24 shots and 18 of them have been on target.