East Bengal FC kick off ISL 2025-26 with highly-contested clash against NorthEast United FC

NorthEast United will be without main man Alaeddine Ajaraie in ISL 2025-26.

East Bengal are set to face NorthEast United in the Indian Super League 2025-26 (ISL 2025-26) at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on February 16, 2026.

The ISL returned with an iconic opening clash between Mohun Bagan and the Kerala Blasters on Saturday at the Salt Lake Stadium. It’s been a very long wait for the fans and players to return to normalcy, but it’s better late than never.

This year the league will be played in a completely different style in comparison to last. It’s more like a makeshift ISL season because only 91 matches will be held this year, with all teams playing just 13 matches each. East Bengal will begin their campaign with a curtain raiser against their arch-rivals NorthEast United in Kolkata. 

Let us have a look at how things stand ahead of this fixture.

The Stakes

East Bengal FC

The Red and Gold Brigade will be keen to begin their new season with nothing less than a win in front of their fans at their new home. East Bengal gathered a strong squad before letting go of a few players due to a delayed league.

Nonetheless, they have a good team of players and Oscar Bruzon will make sure his boys give a good account of themselves in their opening fixture. Kolkata Giants will be poised to make this season count having failed to live up to everyone’s expectations in five consecutive seasons.

NorthEast United FC

NorthEast United FC, on the other hand will travel to Kolkata with the hopes to maintain their momentum from their 2025 Durand Cup triumph. The Highlanders have loaned out their star man, Alaeddine Ajaraie, due to financial constraints, and his absence will be a big miss for them. However, Juan Pedro Benali will come prepared with everything that he has at his disposal to get the better of East Bengal.

Injury and Team News

Both teams are playing their first match and are therefore expected to have a fully fit squad available for selection.

Head-to-head

• Total Matches played – 8
• East Bengal Wins – 2
• NorthEast United Wins – 4
• Draws – 2

Predicted Line-up

East Bengal FC (4-3-3)

Prabhsukhan Singh Gill (GK); Anwar Ali, Kevin Sibille, Lalchungnunga, Jay Gupta; Mohammad Basim Rashid, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Miguel Figueira; Youssef Ezzejjari, Edmund Lalrindika, Bipin Singh, 

NorthEast United FC (4-3-3)

Gurmeet Singh (GK); Redeem Tlang, Asheer Akhtar, Michel Zobaco (C), Buanthanglun Samte; Macaron Nickson, Andy Rodriguez, Mayakkannan; Parthib Gogoi, Jairo Samperio, Jithin MS

Players to watch out

Youssef Ezzejjari (East Bengal FC)

Youssef Ezzejjari will be East Bengal’s main man against the Highlanders. The striker possesses a strong physical presence and adds reliability in front of goal. He is an experienced campaigner and has played across multiple nations. Ezzejjari can adapt to various roles giving Oscar Bruzon the tactical flexibility to position his team as per the situation.

Jithin MS (NorthEast United FC)

Jithin MS has been one of the most improved players over the last couple of seasons. Jithin will lead the line on the left flank with his blistering pace and excellent game-reading abilities. He is a threat to any backline in the league because of his quality and experience. The left-winger will look to create multiple chances from his end to cause trouble for East Bengal’s defence. 

Did You Know?

• This fixture averages 3.6 goals per game
• NorthEast United have scored 14 goals while East Bengal have netted 15 goals in this fixture
• Last season, both teams won a game each

Telecast

The East Bengal FC vs NorthEast United FC game kicks off at 7:30 PM IST, at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Monday (16th February, 2026). It will be shown live on the Sony Sports Network and be live-streamed on Fancode.

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