The Indian Super League (ISL) took place in Guwahati on Wednesday at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium.
They are currently sixth in the points table, with 25 points from 17 matches, having won six games and drawn seven.
In contrast, Match.uni were positioned at the penultimate spot with 13 points from 17 matches, having claimed three wins and four draws. The Highlanders were under pressure from Odisha FC (24 points), Kerala Blasters FC (21 points), and Punjab FC (20 points), which ranked them respectively below in the standings.
.
Meanwhile, the Highlanders are struggling on their home turf, having gone winless in their last four home games. These recent games saw them draw 3 times and lose only once. In order for them to improve their chances of finishing in the top six, it is essential for them to turn things around at home. In the past, the team last endured such a prolonged streak in the 2022 season when they suffered five consecutive defeats away from home.
Coming into the match following a 3-2 victory against Jamshedpur FC, the team extends their winning streak to three games (W1 D2). They will be aiming to secure back-to-back victories for the first time since their five-game winning streak in the 2022-23 season.
Their recent scoring performance, having found the back of the net in each of their last three matches, indicates a positive change, following 9 of their first 14 games this season in which they were unable to score.
The Highlanders are the fourth-highest-scoring team in the league, having achieved 31 points from 17 matches. They have also been led by Alaaeddine Ajaraie, who has netted 15 goals, and Guillermo Fernandes and Nestor Albiach, who have both scored four goals.
's frontline plays.
Average three-point attempts per game this season stand at 70, the league's highest. The entire unit has demonstrated cohesive unity in executing their offensive strategies with remarkable consistency.
Having won twice, results of three meetings have been tied.
stated the significance of this match for his team.
We consider this our last chance, and we must work hard to earn the points. It's equally essential for them, as they're a strong team and won't want to fall behind.
The team leader stated that his team's confidence level has increased significantly following their success in the previous game.
"We had a significant win, which we're especially proud of since it happened at home. Nonetheless, the momentum it's given us is even more valuable," he remarked.