Odisha FC vs NorthEast United FC lineups, team news, prediction & preview

Odisha FC will be looking to record back-to-back wins with a win over the Highlanders.

Indian Super League (ISL) club Odisha FC are set to host free-scoring NorthEast United FC in possibly the most exciting fixture in match week 20. The fixture holds different stakes for both teams, with one team trying to break into the top-six spots while the other is trying to fend off potential challengers.

With the fixture scheduled to kick-off on February 3, at 7:30 PM at the Kalinga Stadium in Odisha, the encounter is sure to enthral ISL fans with exciting football action.

The Stakes

Odisha FC

The Juggernauts have themselves also picked up their form in recent weeks and are fresh off a come-from-behind 2-3 win away from home. Under the leadership of coach Sergio Lobera, Odisha FC have shown character in recent games and seems to have found their free-scoring touch in front of the goal. They have rediscovered their drive under coach Lobera and will be determined to get back into the top-six coveted spots.

The onus will again fall on their attackers to make their chances count against a NorthEast United FC side, who can prove handy for any team on their day. A win can manoeuvre the Juggernauts into a great position, where they can push on for a strong finish to the season. A loss, however, could see them put themselves in danger of missing out on the ISL playoffs depending on other results.

NorthEast United FC

The Highlanders have had a decent campaign so far as they currently hold the fourth spot in the ISL league standings. Head coach Juan Pedro Benali will definitely feel they could’ve certainly done better having lost close games this season against Mohun Bagan Super Giant, East Bengal FC, and Chennaiyin FC. After getting their first win in 2025, the club faces some really tricky fixtures, where points can be hard to record.

Benali’s men have maintained defensive resilience in their last five outings and will be looking to add consistency in adding goals to their games. While they seem to have overcome their inability to score goals, the Highlanders will need to be firing on all cylinders before they make their presence known in the ISL playoffs.

ALSO READ: ISL 2024-25: Updated Points Table, most goals, and most assists after match 116, Mohun Bagan SG vs Mohammedan SC

Team & Injury News

Odisha FC will be missing their star forward Roy Krishna who has also been ruled out for the season through injury. NorthEast United FC will be fielding a fully fit squad for the upcoming game.

Head-to-Head Record

Matches Played – 23

Odisha FC wins – 11

NorthEast United FC wins– 7

Draws – 5

Predicted Lineups

Odisha FC (4-2-3-1)

Amrinder Singh (GK), Amey Ranawade, Carlos Delgado, Thoiba Singh, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Ahmed Jahouh, Lalthathanga Khawlhring, Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Hugo Boumous, Isak Vanlalruetfela, Diego Mauricio

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

Players to Watch

Diego Mauricio (Odisha FC)

The Juggernauts will be hoping Mauricio continues his scoring form ahead of a potential season-defining game against the Highlanders. Having made 17 appearances, the 33-year-old has pitched in with nine goals and supplied four assists, On his day, Mauricio can be a real handful for any opposition defenders. Ahead of the game against the Highlanders, coach Lobera will be calling the Brazilian to lead his team up the pitch.

Similar to games early in the season, the Odisha FC striker will need to be at his very best against a NorthEast United FC side, who have conceded the joint fourth-fewest goals in the league this season. With Odisha FC tasting victory for the first time in their last five games, the 33-year-old will be a man to watch out for in the upcoming game.

Alaeddine Ajaraie (NorthEast United FC)

The free-scoring Moroccan striker has been the most influential forward this season in the ISL. He is the leading goal scorer in the league this season, contributing 16 goals and 5 assists in 18 appearances for the Highlanders. When the two sides met each other in the reverse fixture, Ajaraie put in a man-of-the-match performance to win the game for his side.

Scoring two goals and assisting one, the 32-year-old singlehandedly gifted the lead to his side underlining his importance. With Ajaraie in red-hot form, the onus will be on his side to create opportunities in a must-win game in matchweek 20.

Did You Know?

• Odisha FC hasn’t won any of their last 3 games against NorthEast United FC.
• NorthEast United FC haven’t lost in their last 7 games.
• When Odisha FC leads 1-0 at home, they win in 62 per cent of their matches.
• When NorthEast United FC leads 0-1 away from home, they win in 45 per cent of their matches.

Telecast Details

The Odisha FC vs NorthEast United FC clash will take place on 3 February at the Kalinga Stadium, Odisha. The match will kick off at 7:30 PM IST.

It will be shown live on the Sports 18 network and be streamed live on Jio Cinema. International viewers can watch the action on the OneFootball app.

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