NorthEast United FC:<\/b> With just one point from two games, Odisha FC will look to secure their first win of the Indian Super League (ISL)_2026-27 season when they host NorthEast United FC at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Highlanders have won both their opening matches to sit at the top of the standings, while Odisha have collected just one point from their first two games.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The fixture brings back memories of their previous meeting in March, when Odisha registered a 4-1 victory, with Rahul K.P. scoring twice and Subham Bhattacharya finding the net on his debut. <\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
However, head coach TG Purushothaman expects a different challenge against a NorthEast United side that has built strong combinations over the past few seasons. \u201cIt will be a tough match for us. They are a well-gelled team. They have been playing together for two to three years. Their understanding and combinations are good,\u201d Purushothaman said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Odisha coach stressed the importance of handling expectations and giving his team\u2019s best effort, saying, \u201cWe have to go without pressure; pressure won't give you anything, it will give you all the negative things. We have to overcome the pressure and we have to find a way on how we need to perform well in a positive way.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
NorthEast United head coach Juan Pedro Benali played down the significance of his side\u2019s position at the top of the early standings, urging his players not to underestimate Odisha FC. <\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reflecting on last season\u2019s defeat in Guwahati, he said, \u201cLast season, everybody underestimated Odisha, and they beat us here. We don't want to make the same mistake.\u201d <\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He added, \u201cEvery game is a new story, new tactics, new everything. If you think the last game means you will win the next one, you're mistaken.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Benali also praised forward Parthib Gogoi\u2019s team-first attitude after he featured for only a few minutes in his 100th appearance for the club, highlighting the importance of collective progress over individual milestones. NorthEast United will be without defender Asheer Akhtar, who is sidelined with a broken rib. Benali confirmed that Asheer could return to training next week. <\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Meanwhile, Odisha's new signing Stephen Eze remains unfazed by the growing home expectations. \"The fans will be here; there are too many expectations. I am just focused on the game. No pressure. I will do what I can do best to help my team.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Benali also praised forward Parthib Gogoi\u2019s team-first attitude after he featured for only a few minutes in his 100th appearance for the club, highlighting the importance of collective progress over individual milestones. NorthEast United will be without defender Asheer Akhtar, who is sidelined with a broken rib. Benali confirmed that Asheer could return to training next week. <\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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