NorthEast United vs Mohun Bagan: Three key player battles to watch out for

The Highlanders host the Mariners at home in ISL 2026-27.

NorthEast United FC will welcome Mohun Bagan Super Giant for their opening game of the 2026-27 Indian Super League (ISL) season. The Highlanders have assembled a new look unit with the hopes to turn things around in their favour this season after a forgetful outing last time around.

Bagan on the other hand have a lot at stake having lost the last league title to their archrivals East Bengal.

Both teams came across each other in the Durand Cup semi-final where the Mariners won the penalty shootout. They also met in the recently concluded IFA Shield, where the match ended in a draw.

Juan Pedro Benali has received a lot of criticism following his team’s pitiful display in the recently concluded IFA Shield and therefore the onus is on him and his team to get the fans back on their side. Meanwhile, the Mariners will look to begin the new season with nothing less than three points.

Let us take a look at three key battles that could dictate the outcome of this contest.

Pramveer Singh vs Lallianzuala Chhangte

Pramveer Singh is one of the most talked about young players in the league this season. The 19-year-old chose to sign for the Highlanders despite having multiple offers on the table.

He brings with himself a new wave of freshness and defensive solidity. Singh will be expected to remain calm and composed in high pressure situations and get the better of opposition attackers. He will also have to contain the threat possessed by Lallianzuala Chhangte.

Chhangte arrived in Kolkata following a big money move in the transfer window. Fans and pundits have high expectations from him and he has to deliver to justify his move to the Eastern giants.

The Indian international will look to take on defenders and force them out of their positions with his pace and trickery with the ball. 

Macarton Louis Nickson vs Miguel Figueira

Macarton Louis Nickson has established himself as one of the key faces in Juan Pedro Benali’s system. The youngster has worked his socks off in the middle of the park which also earned him a national team call-up.

Macarton’s never say die attitude coupled with his ability to run the length of the pitch and win important duels makes him an important asset for the Highlanders. He will be up against Miguel Figueira who is also coming off a brilliant season with East Bengal.

Figueira sent shockwaves across the footballing fraternity with his move to Bagan after a title winning season with East Bengal.

He will be expected to run the midfield engine for Panagiotis Dilmperis’ side and create chances for the likes of Chhangte and Lee Erwin. But, it remains to be seen if he can outplay Macarton and win the midfield battle.

Alaaeddine Ajaraie vs Rahul Bheke

NorthEast United’s most successful player Alaaeddine Ajaraie will mark his return to the Indian topflight after missing the last season due to some unforeseen issues. The Moroccan striker won the golden boot and the golden ball the last time he graced the league, and his intentions will be no different this time around.

He is fresh off a record breaking Durand Cup campaign and will look to better his numbers and take his side to the finish line against the Mariners.

But, standing in his way will be Bagan’s latest defensive reinforcement Rahul Bheke. The former Bengaluru FC man brings with him a lot of experience and a title winning mindset to Bagan’s backline.

Bheke will be assigned the responsibility to keep a check on Alaaeddine Ajaraie’s movements and neutralise all the chances created by him. The 35-year-old will look to limit his influence in the attacking third and keep things tight at the back.

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