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

NorthEast United FC sit at the fourth spot in the ISL table.

The Indian Super League (ISL) is all set to make its debut in Shillong as NorthEast United FC welcome Mumbai City FC in an iconic clash. Shillong becomes the 16th venue to ever host the Indian top flight in 12 seasons. Both sides come into this game on the back of a draw and will be keen to bounce back to winning ways. NorthEast United emerged victorious the last time these two sides came up against each other.

The Stakes

NorthEast United FC

The Highlanders have improved leaps and bounds in comparison to last season, but are still struggling with their habit of dropping points from a winning position. They have dropped 16 points from pole position, including two points in the last game against Odisha FC. Juan Pedro Benali’s men are very fragile in the dying minutes of the game and have conceded a lot of goals in that time frame. The stakes are higher than ever and any slips ups at this point can prove to be very expensive for the home side.

Mumbai City FC

The Islanders on the other hand have found themselves in unusual territory this season. It’s been a rough and tough season for them by all means as they struggled to get points on the board. In short, it has been one of the most disappointing seasons for them since the City Football Group took charge. After two back-to-back title winning campaigns, silverware looks out of sight for the Islanders this season. They are positioned at the sixth position with 28 points in 18 games.

Injury and Team News

NorthEast United FC are expected to have a fully fit squad available for selection. Mumbai City FC will miss the services of Vikram Partap Singh while Nikolaos Karelis remains doubtful.

Head-to-head

Total Matches played – 22

NorthEast United FC Wins – 7

Mumbai City FC Wins – 10

Draws – 5

Predicted Lineup

NorthEast United FC (4-2-3-1) 

Gurmeet Singh (GK); Redeem Tlang, Asheer Akhtar, Hamza Regragui, B Samte; Mohammed Ali Bemmamer, Mayakkannan; Macarton Louis Nickson, Alaeddine Ajaraie, Jithin MS; Guillermo Fernandes

Mumbai City FC (4-2-3-1)

TP Rehenesh (GK), Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Mehtab Singh, Tiri, Nathan Rodrigues, Yoell van Nieff, Jayesh Rane, Brandon Fernandes, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Bipin Singh, Jorge Ortiz

Players to watch out

Alaeddine Ajaraie (NorthEast United FC)

The Moroccan forward has been the magic man for the Highlanders. He has broken multiple records while climbing his way to the top of the charts for the Golden Boot. Ajaraie levelled Ferran Corominas’ record for the most number of goal contributions in a single season (23) with a brace in the last game. He currently has 18 goals and five assists to his name in the ISL and is expected to add more to his tally. 

Jorge Ortiz (Mumbai City FC)

Jorge Ortiz will be the man to watch out for the Islanders. Ortiz is a seasoned campaigner and is also one of the finest players to have ever graced the league. His pace combined with his versatility and game-reading abilities makes him an important asset for the Islanders. He has an assist against NorthEast United from his previous stint in the league. Ortiz will have to stand up to the occasion and help Mumbai get over the line. 

Did You Know?

• This fixture averages 2.6 goals per game
• 22 goals have been scored in the last six meetings between the two sides
• Shillong will host its first-ever ISL match 

Telecast

The NorthEast United FC vs Mumbai City FC game kicks off at 7:30 PM IST, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on February 7, 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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