Guwahati: Odisha FC will face NorthEast United FC in a make-or-break encounter for their playoff hopes in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on Friday. Odisha FC and FC Goa are currently level on points, but the latter has the better head-to-head record between the two sides.
This means that Odisha FC cannot afford to drop points if they are to control their own narrative. Last week, they snapped a four-game winless streak against defending champions Hyderabad FC. The victory came at the Kalinga Stadium, which has been a fortress for them this season, where they have lost only once in nine games.
However, for their next challenge against NorthEast United FC, Odisha FC will be on the road to try and defy an away record that is the second-worst for a team this season. The Juggernauts have won only two out nine away games.
They have lost four and drawn one of their last five away games, with their last away win coming in November against East Bengal FC. Going up against such a record, head coach Josep Gombau will be relieved to have Narender Gahlot and Sahil Panwar back from suspension. Up front, Diego Mauricio is expected to retain his spot after scoring his 11th goal of the campaign last week.
