NorthEast United FC vs Jamshedpur FC: Three key battles that could decide the ISL playoff

The Highlanders and Red Miners will play the encounter in Shillong on Sunday.

After finishing fourth and fifth in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 standings, NorthEast United FC and Jamshedpur FC will lock horns at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on 30th March. The winner of this game will play Mohun Bagan Super Giant in a two-legged semifinal.

NorthEast United FC has completed the league double over Jamshedpur FC in the league stage, and hence, they have a psychological advantage going into the game. Both teams have genuine match-winners in their squads.

Here are three key battles that can determine the fate of this ISL knockout fixture:

Alaeddine Ajaraie vs Stephen Eze

Alaeddine Ajaraie has already etched his name in Indian football history, given his accomplishments in the 2024-25 season. The Moroccan helped NorthEast United FC win the Durand Cup and played a significant role in helping them qualify for the ISL playoffs this season.

While Ajaraie has 23 goals and seven assists from 24 ISL games, standing opposite him would be Jamshedpur FC’s veteran defender Stephen Eze. The Nigerian has been the bond that has held the JFC backline, and he has also chipped in with a couple of memorable goals.

Ajaraie will be the favourite in this battle as the forward likes changing his position in NorthEast United FC’s attack. He has already bagged four goals and one assist in two league games against the Red Miners, and hence, he would undoubtedly be the player to watch once again.

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Michel Zabaco vs Jordan Murray

Michel Zabaco’s role in the game against Jamshedpur FC will be crucial for NorthEast United FC’s hopes to move on to the semifinal. The Highlanders have kept three clean sheets in their last four games and have become better defensively in the final few league games.

On the other hand, Jamshedpur FC is on a bad run of form, with just one win in their last six games. The Red Miners scored crucial goals early on in their ISL campaign, which got them to the playoffs. However, their recent form makes them the underdog in Shillong’s game.

The responsibility to get goals will fall on JFC’s Jordan Murray. The veteran Aussie attacker scored six goals on the league stage, and he has also been employed as a super sub in some situations by Khalid Jamil. Murray can also play as a false nine, raising his stock in the upcoming game.

Mohammed Bemammer vs Javi Hernandez

The midfield battle to watch out for during the playoff game will undoubtedly be the one between Mohammed Bemammer and Javi Hernandez. Both foreigners are key players for the respective sides, and if one of them has a bad day, it could directly result in the other side being knocked out.

Mohammed Bemammer, NorthEast United FC’s defensive midfielder, has played 21 ISL games for the Highlanders, scoring three goals. Per the stats, he has been the best player for the Durand Cup champions after striker Alaeddine Ajaraie. However, he tends to pick up cards and suspensions, which he will undoubtedly need to look after.

On the other hand, Javi Hernandez is Jamshedpur FC’s top scorer with seven goals and has three assists in this ISL season. The attacking midfielder has created many chances for his side; hence, keeping him quiet will significantly help NorthEast United FC’s chances to progress to the semi-finals.

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