Shillong, Feb 6: The Indian Super League (ISL) is set to make its long-awaited debut in Meghalaya as NorthEast United FC host Mumbai City FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Friday.
The match kicks off at 7:30 PM IST, with the Highlanders aiming to extend their impressive unbeaten run, while the Islanders look to bounce back from a goalless stalemate against East Bengal FC.
NorthEast United FC, riding high on an eight-match unbeaten streak, will be eager to secure another victory against Mumbai City FC after their dominant 3-0 win in the reverse fixture earlier this season. If successful, it will mark the Highlanders’ second league double over the Islanders, the first since the 2020-21 season—a year that also saw them qualify for the playoffs. With 29 points from 19 matches, NorthEast United sit fourth in the standings, having registered seven wins and eight draws, keeping their playoff hopes firmly alive.
Meanwhile, Mumbai City FC, currently sixth with 28 points from 18 games, will be determined to regain momentum. The Islanders have managed seven wins and as many draws this season, but their scoring struggles have been a concern. They’ve found the net just 22 times in 14 games, making them the fourth-lowest scoring side in the league. Nikolaos Karelis leads their attack with nine goals, while Lallianzuala Chhangte has contributed three.In contrast, NorthEast United FC boast one of the league’s most potent attacks, having scored 37 goals—the second-highest in the ISL. Their talisman, Alaaeddine Ajaraie, leads the league with 18 goals, including a brace in the previous clash against Mumbai City FC. His prolific form will be key to the Highlanders’ playoff ambitions.Friday’s encounter promises an intriguing battle of contrasting philosophies. Mumbai City FC, known for their fluid passing game, lead the league with an average of 3.5 passes per sequence. NorthEast United FC, on the other hand, adopt a more direct approach, averaging just 2.2 passes per sequence—the lowest in the league alongside Chennaiyin FC and Jamshedpur FC.The Islanders are unbeaten in their last six away fixtures (W3 D3) and will hope to extend that streak in Shillong, while the Highlanders seek to inch closer to their record 11-match unbeaten run set in 2021.
Speaking ahead of the match, NorthEast United FC head coach Juan Pedro Benali acknowledged the challenge his team faces. “It’s a very difficult game. Points are very important right now. It’s a direct contest between Mumbai and us in the points table, and it won’t be easy for either team,” he remarked.Mumbai City FC head coach Petr Kratky emphasized the need for improvement in his squad. “There are a lot of areas we should improve upon. NorthEast United FC are a very good team. So, we have to focus on ourselves and our processes,” Kratky said.
The two sides have faced off 21 times in the ISL, with Mumbai City FC holding the edge with 11 victories. NorthEast United FC have won six encounters, while four matches have ended in draws.
Fans can catch the action live on JioCinema (English, Hindi, Bengali, Malayalam) and on Sports 18 – 3 in the same languages. Select matches will also be available on Sports 18 – 1, Sports 18 – 2, Sports 18 – Khel, and Star Sports 3.As the ISL steps into Shillong for the first time, the question remains: Will the Highlanders ride the wave of home support to continue their playoff push, or will the Islanders reclaim their winning form on the road?
