NorthEast United begin their journey in the Durand Cup with a northeastern derby against Shillong Lajong.
NEUFC vs SHL Match Details
Date: Friday, 04 August 2023
Time: 18:00 (IST)
Venue: Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati
NEUFC vs SHL Match Preview
NorthEast United will wish to have a positive run in the Durand Cup this year after experiencing another disappointing ISL campaign last term. The Highlanders finished bottom of the table with merely five points collected and just one win from 20 games. The club has gone major changes for the upcoming season with a new coach at the helm, Juan Pedro Benali. Alongside the Spaniard, there has been some crucial addition to the squad like Asheer Akhtar, Phalguni Singh, Thoi Singh etc. NorthEast will face fellow ISL side FC Goa, I-League 2 team Downtown Heroes FC and Shillong Lajong in Group D of the competition. It is the I-League side to battle in the opener. A clash in which the Highlanders will be slight favourites knowing they are playing in their home stadium in Guwahati. Picking up all three points will be necessary to take an early step toward the knockouts. NorthEast United are also participating in the Durand Cup for the very first time.
Shillong Lajong might not be the favourites to top their group in the Durand Cup but they will give a fight. Only the group winners and the two best second-placed sides from the six groups will advance to the quarterfinals. So, the team from Meghalaya knows the equation before taking to the pitch. They experienced a successful campaign as they returned to the I-League stage after a gap of four years by securing promotion from I-League 2. Ahead of a more challenging season ahead, Shillong Lajong will try to make an impression in the Durand Cup starting with ISL side and fellow mountainous club NorthEast United on Friday. However, the club will not be able to play matches in Lajong after its chosen venue JN Stadium was not made ready at the time of the tournament.
NEUFC vs SHL Predicted Lineups
NEUFC: Mirshad Michu; Tondonba Singh, Gaurav Bora, Dinesh Singh, Hira Mondal; Phalguni Singh, Pragyan Gogoi, Philippoteaux; Rochharzela, Ibson Melo, Parthib Gogoi
SHL: Rajat Paul Lyngdoh; Kynsailang Khongsit, Kenstar Kharshong, Abhay Chetri, Lyngdoh Lyngkhoi; Kynsaibor Lhuid, Everbrightson Sana Mylliempdah, Wadajied Kynsai Ryngkhlem; Laiwang Bohham, Figo Syndai, Donbok Lyngdoh
NEUFC vs SHL Dream11 Team Prediction
GK: Michu (7.5)
DEF: T Singh (8), Bora (9), Lyngkhoi (8.5)
MID: E Sana (8), Pragyan (9), Ryngkhelm (8.5), Parthib (9)
FW: Rochharzela (8), Syndai (9), Philippoteaux (8.5)
Vice-captain: Pragyan Gogoi
Captain: Parthib Gogoi
