NorthEast United FC vs East Bengal lineups, team news, prediction & preview

NorthEast United FC have already booked their place in the ISL 2024-25 playoffs.

After almost six months of end-to-end action, the Indian Super League (ISL) is all set to unveil its final gameweek. NorthEast United FC will kick off proceedings with a clash against their arch rivals East Bengal in Shillong. This will be the Highlanders’ third and final game at the Scotland of the East. The reverse fixture witnessed the Red and Gold brigade pull off a 1-0 win at Kolkata.

The Stakes

NorthEast United FC

NorthEast United FC became the fifth side to qualify for the playoffs following their 0-3 win over Chennaiyin FC last week. The Highlanders have played some beautiful football and will hope to end the group stages on a high and possibly try and get a home game for the elimination match. They have lost both their games at Shillong, but will be poised to settle scores against East Bengal for the defeat earlier in the season. Juan Pedro Benali’s side is placed fifth with 25 points.

East Bengal FC

East Bengal on the contrary, have been one of the most disappointing sides in the league. They put together a really strong side on paper, but failed to replicate the same on the pitch. The Kolkata giants are already out of contention for the playoffs, but will hope to put up a strong fight for pride. They are ranked eighth on the table with 28 points from eight wins, four draws and eleven defeats. The Red and Golds come into this game on the back of a 0-1 defeat to Turkmenistan based outfit Arkadag in the AFC Challenge League. 

Injury and Team News

Hamza Regragui remains doubtful for NorthEast United while the rest of the squad is fully fit and available for selection. Meanwhile, East Bengal will miss the services of Dimitrios Diamantakos who received a red card in the last match. 

Head-to-head

Number of games played in all competitions: 9

Games won by NorthEast United: 4

Games won by East Bengal FC: 3

Games that ended in a draw: 2

Predicted Line-up

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

Coach: Juan Pedro Benali

Gurmeet Singh (GK), Samte, Michel Zabaco, Asheer Akhtar, Redeem Tlang, Muthu Mayakannan, Mohammed Bemammer, Macarton Nickson, Thoi Singh Huidrom, Nestor Albiach, Alaeddine Ajaraie

East Bengal FC (4-2-3-1)

Coach: Oscar Bruzon

Prabhsukhan Gill (GK), Nishu Kumar, Hector Yuste, Lalchungunga, Nandha Kumar Sekar, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Souvik Chakrabarti, Richard Celis, David Lalhlansanga, PV Vishnu, Raphael Messi Bouli

Players to watch out

Gurmeet Singh (NorthEast United FC)

Gurmeet has been the point of difference for NorthEast United FC at the back this season. He has not leaked silly goals and has looked great between the sticks. His performances under the bar have earned a national team call-up for the upcoming qualifiers. He has kept seven clean sheets and is ranked joint second in the race for the golden glove. Singh has made 67 saves, the third highest in the league, including six saves in the last game.

Raphael Messi Bouli (East Bengal FC)

Raphael Messi Bouli has hit the ground running for East Bengal. As his name suggests, Messi Bouli is one of the most fun to watch players to have ever graced the league. His pace, understanding of game and pure attacking instincts make him a lethal weapon for the Kolkata giants. With two goals and an assist, he already has three goal contributions in just five ISL games.

Did You Know?

• East Bengal won the reverse fixture 1-0
• This fixture averages more than three goals per game
• 11 goals have been scored in the last three meetings between the two teams

Telecast

The NorthEast United FC vs East Bengal FC game kicks off at 5:00 PM IST, at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on March 9, 2025. 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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