It's going to be a sensational Sunday as the Green and Maroon Brigade travel to Guwahati to face North East United FC for their 9th match of ISL 2025/26.
-: Current Standings in ISL :-
The Mariners finally broke their 3 game winless streak against an inspiring Punjab FC, courtesy of a wonder goal by Jason Cummings in the final moments of the match.The defending champions showed their mettle and snatched a much important victory from the jaws of defeat despite trailing behind in both Halves.They currently stand in 2nd place with 17 points in 8 matches, just a point shy of league leaders Mumbai City FC. Though their play doesn't look as promising as it used to be, Lobera's men are a Champion Team and they know how to get the job done. And with the title race closing in to a climax, they would surely want to secure every point up for grabs.
The same, however, cannot be said for the Highlanders. With a meager 7 points from 8 matches, they currently languish in 11th place. From the highs of winning back-to-back Durand Cup titles to the lows of just a single victory in 8 league outings this ISL, Juan Pedro Benali’s side is a mere shadow of its former self. With their title aspirations effectively extinguished, the men from the Northeast are now playing for just a better finish at the end of the season.
Mohun Bagan SG in Last 5 Matches : W D L D WNorthEast United FC in Last 5 Matches : D W L L D
-: Tactical Gameplay Analysis :-
Mohun Bagan
For Bagan, this game is a must win. With the title race on the line and both Mumbai City FC and East Bengal FC in contention of it,the Champions have no other option but to win.The absence of Apuia and Alberto was clearly visible in the team's performance, who remain unavailable for this match. Anirudh Thapa will be playing the role of the pivot. Robson and Liston would likely try to control the flanks and penetrate within. Sahal is expected to start after last match's performance, replacing Deepak Tangri in the midfield, to sharpen Bagan's chances at goal. Dimitrios along with Maclaren, need to be clinical infront of the goal. Cummings is also expected to play a crucial role off the bench if Mohun Bagan fails to gets the break-through in the First Half.
Players To Watch Out For Mohun Bagan:Jamie Maclaren : ISL's current top scorer and the main man infront of goal for the Mariners,the Aussie goal poacher came back to the scoring sheet against Punjab FC. With 8 goals in 8 matches,the former Aussie international would definitely want to increase his tally.
Liston Colaco : The experienced winger has scored the most goals for Mohun Bagan in this match-up. He can break the backline and penetrate the defense to score goals on his own, and at the same time, provide through passes and crosses in the attacking third for his team members to score. His work rate will matter in this match as he might need to double up on defence at times to assist the full-backs and disrupt the opponent's attacks early on.
Vishal Kaith : Often overlooked due to other outfield players, India's number 1 was one of the most crucial component of last year's double.With his solid catching ability and immaculate ball distribution,he will be instrumental for Bagan against the Highlanders.
NorthEast United FC
The Highlanders practically have nothing to lose from this fixture.Its all for pride for them.They are most likely to play an all-out counter attacking game, which can definitely hurt Bagan. And with the likes of speedsters like Parthib Gogoi and Jithin MS on the wings, they would definitely want to utilize the flanks as Mohun Bagan is left vulnerable in those areas when full-backs engage in attacking transitions. Clinical strikers like Jairo and midfielders like Andy who have a knack for shooting will always remain a threat.
Players To Watch Out For NEUFC:Parthib Gogoi : One of Assam's own and a rising talent, this speedy winger is one of the pillars of the NorthEast attack. His ability to dribble and penetrate with the ball in the opponent's half is deadly and it might be troubling for Mohun Bagan's backline, especially in Alberto's absence.
Andy Rodriguez Gaitan : With a match winning brace against Jamshedpur,the former Levante reserve is a typical midfielder with a great sight for goal. He will definitely be eager to replicate that performance against the defending champions.
Gurmeet Singh : This GK possesses great shot-blocking skills which have previously proven effective against Mohun Bagan in Durand Cup Final penalties. Though he is in off-form, he can bounce back against Mohun Bagan and prevent them from securing 3 points on Sunday.
Up Next, Battle against NEUFC, in Guwahati ✈️
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-: Expected Lineups :-
Apuia Ralte is unavailable for Mohun Bagan. Alberto has done 2 training sessions with the team, and his situation is currently being assessed. Jithin Madathil Subran and Michel Zabaco of NEUFC are rumoured to be unavailable due to injury for the match.Mohun Bagan SG (4-1-3-2) : Vishal Kaith(GK),Tekcham Abhishek Singh, Mehtab Singh, Tom Aldred , Subhasish Bose (C),Anirudh Thapa, Liston Colaco - Sahal Abdul Samad - Robson Robinho, Dimitrios Petratos - Jamie Maclaren.
Coach: Sergio Lobera.
Northeast United FC (4-3-3) : Gurmeet Singh (GK), Bekey Oram - Asheer Akhtar - Soraisham Dinesh Singh - Buanthanglun Samte , Muthu Irulandi Mayakkannan - Andy Rodríguez Gaitan (C) - Mohammed Arshaf, Louis Nickson Macarton - Jairo Samperio - Parthib Gogoi.
Coach: Juan Pedro Benali.
-: Timings, Venue and Where to Watch in India :-
🎯 ISL Season 2025/26
⏰ 19th April,2026; 7:30 PM IST
🏟 Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati
📡 Fancode (OTT), Sony Sports 2 and Sony Sports 2 HD(TV) 🎶
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