Mohammedan SC vs NorthEast United FC Preview, Predicted lineup, injury news, H2H, telecast details | ISL 2024-25

The ISL debutants take on an in-form NorthEast United FC at Kolkata

The 2024-25 season of the Indian Super League (ISL) is off and running, as the action at India’s most coveted footballing competition resumes with some exciting fixtures on matchday 1. 

The Monday night football action is all set to witness one of India’s oldest and most historic clubs, Mohammedan SC, make their first-ever appearance in the ISL, as they take on NorthEast United FC. Both teams are coming off a great last season, and it will be quite interesting to see as to how they get on with the new campaign on Monday. 

The Stakes

Mohammedan SC

The Black Panthers earned promotion into the Indian first division last season, upon winning the I-League trophy. The Kolkata-based club, which has a rich history, and is one of Indian football’s most reputed clubs, is all set to script another historic moment in its books, as it makes its league debut on Monday. 

Mohammedan SC fans will be flocking in numbers to see their club get a taste of ISL football, and even register their first win on Monday. 

Northeast United FC

The Highlanders recently won the Durand Cup, and are in fine form at the moment. Juan Pedro Benali’s men have a great blend of defensive stability and attacking prowess, and the newcomers will find it extremely difficult to get past this NorthEast United side. 

NorthEast’s consistency at the back, is something that played to their advantage last season, and with the inclusion of fresh attacking prowess, the Highlanders seem to be a complete package that will try to go all the way this season. 

Injury and Team News

NorthEast United have their complete first-team squad at their disposal for their ISL opener. Mohammedan SC will be missing their Ghanaian midfielder Abdul Kadiri Mohammed, who is out with an ACL injury along with Mohammed Jassim who is injured. 

Head-to-Head

The two teams have never played an official game before, and Monday’s clash will be their first-ever meeting. 

Predicted Lineups

Mohammedan SC (4-2-3-1)

Padam Chhetri; Samad Ali Mallick, Joseph Adjei, Gaurav Bora, Zodingliana Ralte; Mirjalol Kasimov, Amarjit Singh Kayam; Rochharzela, Alexis Gomez, Makan Chothe; Lobi Manzoki

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

Gurmeet Singh; Dinesh Singh, Asheer Akhtar, Michel Zabaco, Tondonba Singh; Mohammed Bemammer, Muthu Matakkannan; Nestor Albiach, Jithin MS, Parthib Gogoi; Alaeddine Ajaraie

Players to watch

Cesar Lobi Manzoki (Mohammedan SC)

Manzoki will be Mohammedan’s guardian at the front, as a lot will depend on the African when it comes to stirring things for the Black Panthers at the front. The 27-year-old scored 10 goals in 35 appearances in the Chinese Super League and played in the UAE Pro League last season for Hatta Club.

Lobi’s experience will come in handy along with his smart presence in the final third, all of which make him a key component in his team. 

Alaeddine Ajaraie (Northeast United FC)

Alaeddine has instantly hit the ground running with NorthEast, as the Moroccan has three goals and two assists in his first five appearances for the Highlanders. Not only that, but Ajaraie also can rise up at crucial moments, as he orchestrated NorthEast United’s sensational comeback against Mohun Bagan in the Durand Cup final with a goal and an assist. 

His smart movements and great understanding of the game, combined with his world-class finishing make him the perfect man at the front for the Highlanders. 

Did you know

• Northeast are undefeated this season, as they won all six of their Durand Cup fixtures. 
• Mohammedan SC have scored at least one goal for 6 consecutive matches.
• Mohammedan SC scores 2.07 goals when playing at home and Northeast United FC scores 1.5 goals when playing away (on average).

Telecast Details

The 2024-25 Indian Super League match between Northeast United FC and Mohammedan SC will take place at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan Stadium, Kolkata on Monday (16 September). It will kick off at 7:30 PM IST. The match will be shown live on Sports 18 and be available for streaming on Jio Cinema. International viewers can also watch the match on the OneFootball app.

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.