ISL 2024-25: NorthEast United FC Set to Challenge Mumbai City FC in Shillong
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Synopsis
On February 6, NorthEast United FC will face Mumbai City FC at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, marking ISL's debut in Meghalaya. The match is crucial for both teams in their playoff pursuits.
Key Takeaways
- NorthEast United FC aims for a playoff return.
- Mumbai City FC seeks improvement after recent draws.
- Last encounter saw NorthEast United FC win 3-0.
- Both teams are closely positioned in the points table.
- Goal-scoring stats favor NorthEast United FC.
Shillong, Feb 6 (NationPress) NorthEast United FC will welcome Mumbai City FC as the Indian Super League (ISL) makes its inaugural appearance in Meghalaya at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium this Friday.
The Islanders are looking for a comeback following a scoreless draw against East Bengal FC, while the Highlanders hope to stretch their unbeaten run to nine matches.
In their last meeting, the Highlanders achieved a convincing 3-0 victory and aim to secure another league double against Mumbai City FC, a feat they last accomplished in 2020-21. That season marked the last time NorthEast United FC reached the playoffs, and they appear well-positioned to replicate that success this season.
As it stands, NorthEast United FC has accumulated 29 points from seven wins and eight draws across 19 matches, placing them fourth in the standings. They have managed one win and four draws in their last five fixtures.
Mumbai City FC currently sits sixth, with 28 points from 18 matches, showcasing seven wins alongside seven draws. In their past five outings, they have secured two wins and two draws. The Islanders have the second-most draws this season, with their total of seven just behind NorthEast United FC, who leads with eight.
One reason for this is that the Islanders are among the lowest-scoring teams in the league, having scored just 22 goals in 14 matches. Nikolaos Karelis leads their scoring chart with nine goals, trailed by Lallianzuala Chhangte, who has netted three times.
On the other hand, the Highlanders have performed exceptionally well offensively, scoring 37 goals, the second-highest in the league. Leading the charge is Alaaeddine Ajaraie, the season’s top scorer with 18 goals, who notably scored twice in the earlier matchup against Mumbai City FC.
Head coach of NorthEast United FC, Juan Pedro Benali, stated that the upcoming game will be a challenging encounter for both sides.
“This is a very tough match. Points are critical at this stage. It’s a direct competition between Mumbai and us in the standings, and it won’t be straightforward for either team,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, Mumbai City FC head coach Petr Kratky acknowledged that there are areas needing improvement in his squad’s performance.
“There are numerous aspects we need to enhance. NorthEast United FC is a strong team, so we must concentrate on our own strategies,” he noted.
The two clubs have clashed 21 times in the ISL, with Mumbai City FC winning 11 matches, NorthEast United FC winning six, and four matches ending in a draw.
