ISL 2018-19, Northeast United FC 1-0 Chennaiyin FC: 5 Talking Points

#1 NorthEast United FC high on confidence ahead of a crucial phase in the league

If The Highlanders manage to keep their feet grounded and play their usual game, then they should secure a place in the playoffs for the first time this season (Image Courtesy: ISL)

The Highlanders are on the verge of a maiden Indian Super League play-off place. With five games to left to play for NorthEast United FC, two wins and a draw should be enough for the Highlanders to book their place in the semifinals of Indian Super League.

While it sounds easy, the task won't be as easy as it seems for the Highlanders as trips to Bangalore, Mumbai and Kerala await.

This phase of five games will be tricky for the Highlanders as all the teams have had a gap of one month to work on their highs and lows.

Teams like Delhi and Pune who have nothing but pride to play for will be tough fixtures for Eelco's boys as they will look to salvage some lost pride.

Another thing that could be a factor for NorthEast United FC is their over-dependence on Ogbeche and Gallego for goals. If the duo of Ogbeche and Gallego is kept quiet then literally Northeast United fail to produce anything meaningful.

The thing that will help the side going into this tough run of fixtures is that the team is high on confidence after getting the better of Chennaiyin FC in their first game after the break and wholly dominated last season's champions.

If The Highlanders manage to keep their feet grounded and play their usual game, then they should secure a place in the playoffs for the first time this season.

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