ISL 2023-24: NorthEast United meet title defenders Mumbai City

Both teams finished the ISL league stages on exactly opposite positions last time.

The Indian Super League, popularly referred to as the ISL, began its 2023-24 season on September 21st, marking its 10th year. Last season's Shield winners Mumbai City FC have their match lined up against NorthEast United on the 24th of September away from home. The Islanders enjoyed a pretty amazing season last time and will be hoping to put their best foot forward against the Highlanders.

On that note, let us take a look at a detailed preview of the game.

The Stakes

Mumbai City FC

Last year, Des Buckingham and his team won the ISL Shield but were eliminated by Sunil Chhetri's Bengaluru FC in the semi-finals. Despite that setback, the Islanders set numerous records last season and will aim to do the same in this campaign too.

Before the opener, Mumbai City faced Nassaji Mazandaran in the AFC Champions League and suffered a 2-0 loss. However, head coach Des Buckingham believes that his team's performance against the Iranian side was excellent and that the negative result hasn't affected his players, who are ready to defeat the Highlanders.

NorthEast United FC

On the contrary, the Highlanders struggled last year in the ISL, finishing in last place with only five points. They are hoping for a turnaround this time.

The stakes are very high for them as well and they will surely come out all guns blazing. They know what they have to do and they will do everything in their power to get the better of Mumbai City FC. However, Mumbai City fans shouldn't forget that NorthEast United under the tutelage of Juan Pedro Benali have already reached the Durand Cup semis a few weeks back!

Injury & Team News

With El Khayati not registered for the ISL, the Islanders will miss his creativity and flair in the midfield. Moreover, Gurkirat Singh is currently serving national duty in the Asian Games.

For NorthEast United, all the players are available for selection.

Head-to-Head

Both teams have played 19 games in total. Northeast United FC have won six direct matches. Mumbai City FC won nine matches. four matches ended in a draw. 

Predicted Line-ups

NorthEast United FC

Michu Mirshad, Hira Mondal, Asheer Akhtar, Míchel Zabaco, Dinesh Singh, Mohammed Ali Bemammer, Phalguni Singh, Manvir Singh, Romain Philippoteaux, Ibson Melo, Parthib Gogoi

Mumbai City FC

Phurba Lachenpa, Rahul Bheke, Rostyn Griffiths, Mehtab Singh, Akash Mishra, Apuia, Yoëll van Nieff Lallianzuala Chhangte, Greg Stewart,Bipin Singh, Jorge Pereyra Diaz

Players to Watch

Romain Philippoteaux (NorthEast United FC)

Romain Philippoteaux will be the key player for NorthEast United in their match against Mumbai City FC. If he can perform his magic, NorthEast United could pull off a shocker on Sunday. With his dribbling ability and creative skills, he can create defence-splitting passes apart from astonishing gameplay!

Lallianzuala Chhangte (Mumbai City FC)

Mumbai City's winger, Lallianzuala Chhangte, is the biggest threat for NorthEast. The Indian international won the Golden Ball last season and has been in terrific form for the national team. If given space and time, Chhangte knows how to exploit his opponents!

Did You Know?

• Mumbai City FC boast a better head-to-head record against NorthEast United.
• In their last five clashes in the ISL, Mumbai have won two, NorthEast have won one, and two matches have ended in draws.

Telecast

The ISL 2023-24 match between NorthEast United and Mumbai City FC will be played at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday 24 September, at 8 PM IST. It will be telecasted live on Sports18 1 TV channel. Free live streaming will be available on the JioCinema app in multiple languages.