Shillong Lajong FC vs NorthEast United FC Preview - Team news, lineups | Durand Cup 2026

NorthEast United FC to face Shillong Lajong in Durand Cup 2026 quarterfinal.

The quarterfinal four of the 135th edition of the Durand Cup is all set to feature a high-stake Northeastern Derby where Shillong Lajong FC will host another club from the same region NorthEast United FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru (JLN) Stadium in Shillong.

The match is scheduled to kickoff at 7:00 pm IST and the JLN Stadium is expected to be fully packed as the city of Shillong will come out in large numbers to root for both Shillong Lajong FC and NorthEast United FC.

Both NorthEast United FC and Shillong Lajong FC topped their respective groups with a dominating performance and a win in the quarterfinal will guarantee them a spot in semifinal with potential opponents to be Mohun Bagan SG or Jamshedpur FC.

In this article we take a look at the match preview of this quarterfinal match between Shillong Lajong FC and NorthEast United FC.

The Stakes

Shillong Lajong FC

For Shillong Lajong FC, this quarterfinal clash holds immense significance. Lajong finished on top of group E winning 2 out of 3 group stage games and gathered 7 points out of a total of 9 points.

Shillong Lajong FC have been doing very well in Indian football in the last couple of years and if they manage to defeat NorthEast United FC, it will help them make a stronger dominance in the Northeastern region.

NorthEast United FC

NorthEast United FC have a very good opportunity to make their foot stronger in Indian football if they manage to win their third Durand Cup title consecutively and complete a three peat.

The Highlanders led by head coach Juan Pedro Benali have been very good in the Durand Cup tournament for the last couple of editions and are most probably one of the best sides in Durand Cup.

NorthEast United face Shillong Lajong in a crucial quarterfinal, with a place in the semifinal at stake. For the Highlanders, they will be motivated to move ahead in the tournament and lift the title once again and a win would mean that they move into the final four.

With everything on the line, NorthEast United FC will have little room for error and will have to produce a near perfect performance.

Team News

NorthEast United are expected to have all of their players training at the moment available for this game. The latest foreign recruits are also expected to get the much-needed game time. However, the participation of Pramveer Singh will be doubtful as he has not yet featured for the Highlanders.

For Shillong Lajong FC, they are expected to field a strong lineup against the Highlanders with all players available for selection.

Head-to-Head Record (Durand Cup)

Matches played: 3

Won by Shillong Lajong FC: 0

Won by NorthEast United FC: 3

Draws: 0

Predicted Lineups

Shillong Lajong FC (4-3-3)

Ranit (GK), Kitbok, Arthur, Joedson, Ken (C), Lian, Abhay, Tremiki, Phrangki, Jota, Everbrightson.

NorthEast United FC (4-2-3-1)

Gurmeet Singh (GK), Asheer Akhtar (C), Eneko, Rabeeh, Samte, Macarton, Ashraf, Moyano, Ajaraie, Ethyan, Parthib.

Players to Watchout

Everbrightson Sana (Shillong Lajong FC)

Everbrightson Sana has been one of the brightest stars shining in Indian football right now. The 23-year-old forward has been in sublime form for Shillong Lajong FC scoring 7 goals and providing 3 assists in IFL 2025-26.

The youngster has been on a goal scoring run in Durand Cup 2026 as well and has been very key for Shillong Lajong FC in their run so far.

NorthEast United FC will need to keep their eyes and ears open all the time and must try to keep Everbrightson out of the game or else he can create huge problems for the Highlanders.

Alaaeddine Ajaraie (NorthEast United FC)

Alaaeddine Ajaraie will be the player to watch out from the NorthEast United FC side as they gear up to play Shillong Lajong FC in a Northeastern Derby.

Alaaeddine Ajaraie can be a major roadblock for Lajong with his ability to easily open up defenses. The Moroccan has already scored 6 goals in the Durand Cup 2026 and is competing neck-to-neck for the Golden boot as well. If he gets his chance to perform, he will make sure that NorthEast United FC goes all the way to the final and lift the title.

Telecast Details

The Durand Cup 2026 quarterfinal clash between Shillong Lajong FC and NorthEast United FC will take place at the JLN Stadium, Shillong on Monday, 17th August (2026).

The match will kick off at 7:00 PM IST. The match will be livestreamed on Sony LIV and will be broadcasted live on Sony Ten 2.

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