NorthEast United FC vs Indian Army FT Preview, predicted lineup, injury news, H2H, telecast details | Durand Cup 2024

The sides will meet once again after meeting in last year’s Durand Cup knockout stages.

With the 2024 Durand Cup group stages done and dusted, the focus shifts to the all-important knockout games. It’s do-or-die for the remaining eight teams in the quarter-finals. Group E winners NorthEast United FC will begin the knockout phase with a last-eight clash against the Indian Army. 

Both teams faced off at the same juncture in the last edition of the Durand Cup where Phalguni Singh’s lone goal helped NorthEast United emerge victorious in Guwahati. The clash is scheduled for August 21 and will be hosted in Kokrajhar’s SAI Stadium.

Let us look at how things stand ahead of the first quarter-final.

The Stakes

NorthEast United FC

The Highlanders continued their magical run of form against Odisha FC and pulled off a dominating 5-1 win in their last group-stage clash. It was NorthEast United’s third win of the campaign and with three wins in three games, NorthEast United have been crowned the winners of Group E. Juan Pedro Benali’s side will want to maintain their good run of form in the knockouts as well.

Indian Army FT

Indian Army FT on the other hand have their own story to tell. They managed to stun Jamshedpur FC in their final group game with a 3-2 comeback win and emerged as the winners of Group D. They won all of their three group stage games and defeated the likes of Chennaiyin FC, Assam Rifles before beating Jamshedpur FC. Indian Army are expected to go all out as they will be keen to settle scores with the Highlanders.

Injury and Team News

Both teams are expected to have a fully sit squad available for selection.

Head-to-head

Total Matches played – 1

NorthEast United FC Wins – 1

Indian Army FT Wins – 0

Draws – 0

Predicted lineup

NorthEast United FC (4-3-3)

Gurmeet (GK); Dinesh, Asheer, Regragui, Tondonba; Bemammer, Phalguni, Nestor; Parthib, Guillermo, Jithin

Indian Army FT (4-3-3)

Malla (GK); Pardeep, Sunil, Puia, Liton; Khongsai, Alan, Shafee; Rahul, Rana, Murmu

Players to watch

Jithin MS (NorthEast United FC)

Jithin has been in red-hot form for the Highlanders. The Thrissur-born winger has become one of NorthEast United’s most dangerous and lethal players on the pitch. Jithin is now the tournament’s second joint-highest goalscorer with four strikes to his name. He will have a crucial role to play in the upcoming matches for the Highlanders.

Alan Thapa (Indian Army FT)

Alan Thapa has been the main man for the Indian Army in the 133rd edition of the Durand Cup. Thapa has led the team from the front and is their highest goal scorer at the tournament. Alan has scored two goals in three games, including a crucial goal against Jamshedpur in their last match. He was named the man of the match in the last game and is expected to continue his fine run of form.

Did You Know?

• NorthEast United FC defeated Indian Army 1-0 in the quarterfinal of the 2023 Durand Cup
• The winner of this game will play the winner of the game between Shillong Lajong and East Bengal
• NorthEast United have scored 11 goals while Indian Army have scored seven goals in the tournament so far.

Telecast

The live streaming for the game between NorthEast United FC and Indian Army FT will be available on the Sony LIV app and the broadcast will be available on Sony Ten 2.

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