NorthEast United FC vs Odisha FC: head-to-head ahead of Bhubaneswar ISL clash

NorthEast United FC travel to Bhubaneswar to face Odisha FC in their first away match of the ISL 2026-27 season on Saturday after opening the campaign with two consecutive wins.

The Highlanders sit top of the standings with six points from two games and will be aiming for a third straight victory, while Odisha FC have had a difficult start to the season under T. G. Purushothaman, having been outplayed by Punjab FC in their opener and then dropping points after conceding a late equaliser against Inter Kashi.

Historically, Odisha hold the upper hand in the head-to-head between the sides: the two clubs met 13 times prior to this season, with Odisha winning seven of those fixtures, NorthEast United claiming four victories and two matches finishing level.

The fixture has produced 42 goals across those 13 meetings, with Odisha scoring 23 and NorthEast United 19.

At the Kalinga Stadium, Odisha have been unbeaten against NorthEast United in five outings and have recorded four wins there, giving them a perfect record against the Highlanders on home soil.

Juan Pedro Benali will want to change the fact that his side have never won in Bhubaneswar come Saturday. The most recent encounter between the teams ended 1-4 in Odisha’s favour in Guwahati.

NorthEast United’s last victory in the fixture came in 2024, a 3-2 win in Guwahati that featured a brace from Alaeddine Ajaraie and a goal from Guillermo. The fans have spoken! 🗳️🐺Abdul Rabeeh is your @CoalIndiaHQ Fans’ Player of the Match! ❤️🖤#StrongerAsOne #8States1United pic.twitter.com/7dbc5Gwydd

The match in Bhubaneswar on Saturday will decide whether NorthEast United can extend their perfect start to the season and move further clear at the top, or whether Odisha can secure a first positive result after their opening two fixtures.