Two unbeaten teams in the 2023 Durand Cup, NorthEast United and Indian Army team collide against each other in the first quarterfinal.
NUFC vs IAR Match Details
Date: Thursday, 24 August 2023
Time: 18:00 (IST)
Venue: Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati
NUFC vs IAR Match Preview
NorthEast United has made a sensational start to the new era under coach Juan Pedro Benali by making it out of the group stages of the 2023 Durand Cup. They began the tournament with a 4-0 thumping of fellow side Shillong Lajong in which Parthib Gogoi scored a hat trick. The Highlanders then drew 2-2 with a star-studded FC Goa team before the 20-year-old netted again in the 3-1 win over DownTown Heroes. Due to an inferior goal difference to the Gaurs, Benali’s side had to settle for a second spot but advanced to the quarterfinals being the best runners-up in the competition. The scoring spree with their switch to more attacking football has given NorthEast a fresh new look. They will hope to get the positivity going in the knockouts with an elegant Indian Army team to face in the quarterfinals.
The Indian Army team also remained undefeated in the group stages and is quite a surprise candidate in the stage. The talent they have in their squad and the performance put in gave them a deserved entry to the quarterfinals. The Armed Forces topped their group containing I-league side Rajasthan United, regional team Bodoland and even ISL team Odisha FC albeit with a reserve squad. Their remarkable run was made possible due to the brilliance of Liton Shil who was sent off after scoring the winner against Odisha in the first game but is back from suspension. The win against Bodoland and playing out a goalless draw against Rajasthan sealed their place in the quarterfinals. NorthEast will not be an easy task to face and also the fact the game is played at Guwahati. Despite that, the team will play with utmost pride hoping for the best.
JFC vs IAN Dream11 Team Prediction
GK: Michu (Cr - 8, Pts -73)
DEF: T Singh (Cr - 8, Pts - 63), Suresh (Cr - 9, Pts - 106) Zabaco (Cr - 8, Pts - 59), Zothanpuia (Cr - 8, Pts - 67)
MID: Parthib (Cr - 9, Pts - 264), Kamei (Cr - 8.5, Pts - 86), Murmu (Cr - 8.5, Pts - 84)
FW: Philippoteaux (Cr - 8.5, Pts - 125), Shil (Cr - 8, Pts - 49), Ibson (Cr - 7.5, Pts - 7.5)
Vice-captain: Romain Philippoteaux
Captain: Parthib Gogoi
