NorthEast United eye back-to-back wins in ISL 2025-26 against lackluster Chennaiyin FC

NorthEast United FC and Chennaiyin FC are currently placed 12th & 13th in ISL standings.

Two clubs that were battling for a playoff spot at this stage of the ISL 2025-26 season have seen their fortunes change dramatically this year, with both sides now languishing in the bottom half of the table and struggling to build momentum.

They will meet at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati as both teams look to pick up a few wins and finish the campaign on a positive note. The match will take place on 10th May 2026 and is scheduled to kick off at 19:30 IST.

A win for either side would lift them to eighth place in the standings, a respectable position considering the kind of season both clubs have endured so far. Here is a look at the form of both teams heading into the game.

The Stakes:

NorthEast United FC:

NorthEast United FC have had a difficult season, missing their main source of goals for large parts of the campaign, fielding only two foreigners, while also dealing with the injury absence of Zabaco. However, they come into this game with renewed confidence after a dramatic late victory.

After a five-match winless run, the Highlanders returned to winning ways with a 3-2 victory over Inter Kashi thanks to a last-minute winner from Parthib Gogoi. They had raced into a 2-0 lead early in the second half but allowed the 10-man opposition back into the contest, something that would certainly have concerned head coach Juan Pedro Benali.

Against a Chennaiyin FC side short on confidence and among the lowest-scoring teams in the league, NorthEast United FC will be targeting back-to-back wins as they look to climb the table and potentially secure a mid-table finish.

Chennaiyin FC:

Chennaiyin FC, meanwhile, are enduring another rough spell. They have won just once in the last eight games, and under new head coach Clifford Miranda, they have managed only two victories in fourteen matches, a clear reflection of the disappointing campaign they have had. The Marina Machans currently sit second from bottom, with just 9 points from 11 games.

Their most recent outing ended in a 1-0 defeat to Punjab FC in Delhi. Chennaiyin were second best for most of the game, much like they had been against Jamshedpur FC, and managed just one shot on target throughout the 90 minutes. The goal they conceded, with Suresh Meitei being marked by Hnamte, also raised questions about their preparation and defensive organisation.

Clifford Miranda has little margin for error heading into this fixture. Against a NorthEast United FC side that has had its own struggles at both ends of the pitch, Chennaiyin FC have a genuine opportunity to secure a much-needed win and climb to eighth place in the table.

Team News:

On the injury front, Zabaco remains a doubt for NorthEast United FC, while Ankith has been ruled out for the remainder of the season. For Chennaiyin FC, Elsinho remains sidelined for the rest of the campaign, while the availability of Laldinpuia is uncertain after he was forced off early in the last match.

Head-to-Head:

Matches Played – 24

NorthEast United FC wins – 8

Chennaiyin FC wins – 11

Draws – 5

Predicted Lineups:

NorthEast United FC (4-3-3) 

Gurmeet Singh (GK); Robin Yadav, Asheer Akthar, Dinesh Singh, Tondonba Singh; Mayakannan, Andy Rodriguez, Macarton; Jithin MS, Jairo Samperio, Parthib Gogoi;

Chennaiyin FC (4-2-3-1)

Mohammad Nawaz (GK); Dinliana, Pritam Kotal, Eduardo Kau, Mandar Rao Dessai; Lalrinliana Hnamte, Ali Bemammer; Farukh Choudhary, Albero Noguera, Prakadeeswaran S; Irfan Yadwad;

Players to watch:

NorthEast United FC – Andy Rodriguez

Facing a side that has struggled for goals, NorthEast United FC will know the importance of creating enough chances in the final third, and Andy Rodriguez is likely to be central to that.

The Spanish midfielder has been a complete package in midfield, combining creativity in the attacking third with strong ball retention and defensive work. Andy has scored in both of the Highlanders’ wins this season, and he could once again be the X-factor for Juan Pedro Benali if NorthEast United FC are to take all three points.

Chennaiyin FC – Irfan Yadwad

Chennaiyin FC’s two foreign strikers, Daniel Chima Chukwu and Inigo Martin, have struggled badly in front of goal, with the former scoring just once and the latter still waiting for his first goal. If there is one player who has looked the most threatening for the Marina Machans in front of goal, it is Irfan Yadwad, who remains the club’s top scorer this season with just two goals.

Clifford Miranda has not fully maximised Irfan’s qualities out wide, especially considering both of his goals have come when playing centrally as a striker. Even from the wing, Irfan remains dangerous with his direct running and willingness to shoot.

But if Clifford Miranda starts him through the middle against NorthEast United FC’s all-Indian backline, Chennaiyin FC could finally find a way to ease their goalscoring problems.

Telecast details:

The match between NorthEast United FC and Chennaiyin FC will take place on May 10, 2026, at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati.

The match kicks off at 19:30 PM IST. The match will be shown live on Sony Ten 2 and Sony Ten 2 HD and will be available to stream on Fancode.

Outside India, in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025–26 matches will be live-streamed on the FanCode app.

Bein Watch is the official broadcast partner for the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025–26 season in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain. In all other remaining countries, live streaming will be available on the FanCode YouTube channel.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.