ISL 2018-19: NorthEast United FC vs ATK, 5 Talking Points

#1 With the playoffs in sight NEUFC touch the 20 point mark for the second time in their ISL history

With the point today NorthEast United now have amassed 20 points from their 11 games. It is only the second time in their ISL history that they have reached the 20 point mark. The last time they touched the 20 point mark was in the 2015 season when they finished the league with 20 points.

This time though they have reached the figure with six games remaining and have the opportunity to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in their ISL history.

If NorthEast United continue to perform the way they are playing in the second phase of the season too then it can be said that there is no stopping them from reaching their maiden playoffs.

A couple of factors though could play spoilsport for the Highlanders, and they are first and foremost they lack depth or bench strength which could hamper their campaign given the nature of the league and with injuries.

Lack of bench strength could also mean players getting injured or tired quickly due to consecutive matches which again could hamper some of the results in the latter part of the tournament.

Lastly, the upcoming international break could be a blessing or a curse as it could very well stop or derail the momentum which the team has gained. While the break could also work as a blessing as the team could use the break to get fitter and work on the training ground to improve their overall game.