NorthEast United eye returning to winning ways in ISL 2025-26 against as FC Goa

The Highlanders will host The Gaurs after a four-match winless run

After a disappointing outing in the last game, NorthEast United will welcomeFC Goa to their den for their tenth league fixture in a Friday showdown in the Indian Super League.

While the weather is expected to turn up with rain and thunderstorms, the same should be expected from the game as well because both teams wouldn’t shy away from scoring goals at each other. 

Let us take a look at how things stand.

The Stakes

NorthEast United FC

Juan Pedro Benali’s side has found it really tough to get going this season. It’s been an awful season compared to the standards that Benali has set for his side. NorthEast United find themselves at the 12th spot and are within touching distance of the relegation zone. The Highlanders were handed a 0-1 defeat by Mohun Bagan in their last game, and it remains to be seen if they can fight back against the Gaurs.

FC Goa

Meanwhile, FC Goa have had a completely different journey in comparison to their counterparts. The Gaurs are eyeing a league title, but are four points behind in the title race. They are ranked third on the table and are seeking nothing less than a win in Guwahati to fuel their title aspirations. Goa will arrive in this game on the back of a commendable 2-0 over Mumbai City FC at home.

Injury and Team News

NorthEast United will miss the services of Ankith Padmanabhan who sustained a shoulder dislocation in the last game along with skipper Michel Zobaco. Meanwhile, no injury concerns have been reported so far for FC Goa and they are expected to field their best side.

Head-to-head

Total Matches played – 24

NorthEast United FC Wins – 5

FC Goa Wins – 6

Draws – 13

Predicted Line-up

NorthEast United FC (4-1-4-1) 

Gurmeet; Robin, Andy, Asheer, Samte; Maya, Parthib, Macarton, Jairo, Jithin; Rinzuala

FC Goa (4-2-3-1)

Tiwari (GK), Sangwan, Jhingan, Moreno, Boris; Chhetri, Patre; Fernandes, Yasir, Drazic; Nemil

Players to watchout

Asheer Akhtar (NorthEast United FC)

Asheer Akhtar has been handed the captain’s armband in the absence of Zobaco and he did really well in the last game. Akhtar led his side with example and stood strong against a mighty Mohun Bagan side. Asheer won the majority of his ground and aerial duels while recording 17 defensive contributions against the defending champions.

Muhammed Nemil (FC Goa)

Muhammed Nemil nailed it against Mumbai City FC in the last game and inspired FC Goa to a much needed win to continue their pursuit for the league title. Nemil found the back of the net through a screamer and helped his side get three points. He registered three shots on target, the most by any Indian player in the week gone by.

Did You Know?

• 13 draws have been played between the two teams
• This will be the first ISL game between the two sides since January 2025.
• NorthEast United won the game the last time the played against FC Goa

Telecast

The match is scheduled to kick off at 5:00 PM IST at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati where the home crowd is expected to turn up in strong numbers for this crucial clash. Fans can catch the action live via streaming on FanCode, while the game will also be broadcast on Sony Ten 2.

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