Mumbai City FC vs NorthEast United lineups, team news, prediction & preview

A win can help the visitors leapfrog the Mumbai giants.

After an eventful year of football, the Indian Super League (ISL) gears up to host its final game of 2024 in the City of Dreams. Defending champions Mumbai City FC welcome Durand Cup champions NorthEast United at the Mumbai Football Arena. This game promises a lot of drama and end-to-end game given the way both sides operate. 

One more sleep before The Highlanders face The Islanders! Bring it on! ⚔️#StrongerAsOne #8States1United #MCFCNEU pic.twitter.com/bIYB2CSdFd

— NorthEast United FC (@NEUtdFC) December 29, 2024

The Stakes

Mumbai City FC

The Islanders have pulled back things really well in the recent games and are back near the top four after struggling in the lower half of the table for quite some time. Petr Kratky’s side have looked in a really good shape after the international break and are undefeated in their last four outings, including three wins. Mumbai City FC come into this game on the back of two back-to-back wins against Mohammedan SC and Chennaiyin FC. 

NorthEast United FC

NorthEast United FC on the contrary have been one of the most impressive sides so far. They started their season really strong and looked inevitable, but have struggled to remain consistent. After two consecutive defeats against the Kolkata Giants, the Highlanders bounced back from behind and secured a historic win in Hyderabad against the Nizams. Juan Pedro Benali’s men have been really good on the road and will look to maintain that on their trip to Mumbai.

Injury and Team News

Mumbai City FC: Jon Toral and Thaer Krouma were injured last month. They could still have injury concerns for the game.

NorthEast United FC: Hamza Regragui remains doubtful for the Highlanders.

Head-to-head

Total Matches played – 21

Mumbai City FC Wins – 10 

NorthEast United FC Wins – 6

Draws – 5

Predicted Line-up

Mumbai City FC (4-3-3) 

Phurba Lachempa (GK); Nathan Rodrigues, Tiri, Mehtab Singh, Valpuia; Brandon Fernandes, Yoell Van Nieff, Jeremy Manzorro; Vikram Pratap Singh, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Nikos Karelis

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

Gurmeet Singh (GK); Dinesh Singh, Asheer Akhtar, Michel Zobaco, Buanthanglun Samte; Mohammed Ali Bemammer, Mayakkannan Muthu; Jithin MS, Guillermo Fernandes, Parthib Gogoi; Alaeddine Ajaraie 

Players to watchout

Nikolaos Karelis (Mumbai City FC)

Nikolaos Karelis will be the man to watch out for the Islanders coming into this fixture. The Greek forward has found the back of the net six times and also has an assist to his name. Karelis is also Mumbai City FC’s highest goalscorer this season. The 32-year-old’s lone goal was the point of difference for the Islanders in their last game and helped them secure all three points. His commanding presence up front comes in as an added advantage for Mumbai City FC.

Our number 9⃣ is back to doing what he does best 😉🩵Watch #ISL 2024-25 live on @JioCinema, @Sports18-3 & #StarSports3 👉 https://t.co/WBwUPsd6iq#MCFCCFC #AamchiCity 🔵 pic.twitter.com/mKbMHFG0j2

— Mumbai City FC (@MumbaiCityFC) December 22, 2024

Guillermo Fernandes (NorthEast United FC)

The Spanish forward is the most in-form player for the Highlanders at the moment. Guillermo inspired NorthEast United to a much-needed win against Hyderabad FC with a phenomenal brace. He has found the back of the net nine times since his move to the Highlanders, including four in the ISL. Standing at 6’ 0, Guillermo possesses a towering presence with an equally inspiring aerial prowess. Expect him to be at the top of his game in this game.

For his brilliant brace against Hyderabad FC, Guillermo is your @meghtourism NEUFC Fan's Player of the Match against Hyderabad FC! #StrongerAsOne #8States1United pic.twitter.com/2pTyRczgyQ

— NorthEast United FC (@NEUtdFC) December 26, 2024

Did You Know?

• NorthEast United FC are winless in the Indian Super League (ISL) against Mumbai City FC since 2021
• The last time NorthEast United FC won in Mumbai was back in 2019
• This fixture averages 2.5 goals per game

Telecast

The Mumbai City FC vs NorthEast United FC game kicks off at 7:30 PM IST at the Mumbai Football Arena on December 30, 2024. Live telecast of the fixture will be available on Sports18 Network (Sports18 1/VH1 Channel). Live streaming of the game will be available on the JioCinema app. Viewers from abroad can use OneFootball to stream the game.

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