NorthEast United FC vs Shillong Lajong Preview, predicted lineup, injury news, H2H, telecast details | Durand Cup 2024

The Highlanders will be looking to book their place in the Durand Cup final.

After a thrilling round of quarter-finals, the 133rd edition of the Durand Cup is all set to unveil its penultimate stage in the form of the semi-finals. First up, friends turned into foes NorthEast United FC and Shillong Lajong will lock horns at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong at 5:30 pm.

It will be the second meeting between the sides in 2024 with the Highlanders emerging victorious in January. The stage is set and the stakes are higher than ever with two teams eyeing their first-ever Durand Cup final. Here is a look at how things stand ahead of this big North Eastern derby in the Durand Cup first semi-final.

The Stakes

NorthEast United FC

After dominating Group E, the Highlanders came away with a strong 2-0 win over Indian Army in the quarter-finals and confirmed their place in the last four. After an all-round and dominant performance in Kokrajhar, NorthEast United will take a trip to Shillong to lock horns with their neighbors.

They were knocked out at the very same stage last year and will want to go one step ahead this time around. And if they do, it would be their first-ever final. 

Shillong Lajong FC

Shillong Lajong sent shockwaves across the country when they managed to get the better of a star-studded East Bengal side in the quarter-finals.

The Reds put together a five-star performance against the Kolkata Giants and sent a warning to the remaining teams about what they bring to the table. Lajong will enjoy the home advantage and hope to continue their dream run.

Injury and Team News

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

Head-to-Head

Total Matches played – 2

NorthEast United FC Wins – 2

Shillong Lajong FC Wins – 0

Draws – 0

Predicted Lineups

Northeast United FC (4-3-3)

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

Shillong Lajong FC (4-3-3)

Manas Dubey (GK); Ronney Wilson, Kynsailang Khongsit, Daniel Goncalves, Kenstar Kharshong; Wadajied Ryngkhlem, Hardy Cliff, Hamedamanbha Wahlang; Everbrighton Myliempdah, Marcos Rudwere, Phrangki Buam

Players to watch

Guillermo Fernandez (NorthEast United FC)

The Spaniard is enjoying life at NorthEast United and has had an immediate impact. He’s looked good so far and feels like the perfect addition to the Highlanders’ squad. Guillermo scored a wonder goal in the quarter-finals to book his side’s place in the last four. Moreover, he is the tournament’s joint second-highest goal-scorer with four goals to his name.

Marcos Rudvere Silva (Shillong Lajong FC)

Silva has been Shillong’s main man upfront and has caused all sorts of damage to the opponents. He scored the opener and assisted the winning goal in the quarter-final clash against East Bengal. The Brazilian is an all-package for the Reds and he has already displayed what he can do. Moreover, he is Lajong’s joint-highest goal-scorer in the championship.

Did You Know?

• Whoever wins will play its first-ever Durand Cup final
• NorthEast United FC have never lost to Shillong Lajong
• Shillong Lajong FC are undefeated at home in this edition of the Durand Cup

Telecast

The live streaming for the fixture between NorthEast United FC and Shillong Lajong FC will be available on the Sony LIV app and the broadcast will be available on Sony Ten 2.

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