The stakes are high at both ends of the ISL 2025-26 table as FC Goa travel to face NorthEast United FC on Friday. A win for the Gaurs would ensure they remain alive in the title-race, waiting for any of the two teams above them to stumble, while the Highlanders are fighting to avoid a relegation scrap with four games of the season to go and just five points separating them from bottom spot.
In a truncated ISL season, the leaders will be crowned champions while the bottom-placed side relegated after 13 games. FC Goa arrive with momentum after a statement 2-0 win over Mumbai City FC in their last outing, a result that ended the Islanders' unbeaten start to the season and effectively reopened the title race.
Sitting third with 16 points from nine matches, Manolo Marquez's side have placed themselves within striking distance of the top, courtesy their defensive solidity, having conceded just six goals this season.
NorthEast United, meanwhile, have endured a difficult season. Juan Pedro Benali's side are 12th with seven points and come into this fixture on the back of a narrow 0-1 defeat to Mohun Bagan Super Giant in a rain-affected contest.
The conditions of that game have been severely criticized by FC Goa coach Marquez, who has warned that he will not allow his team to take the field if FC Goa encounter heavy rain and a waterlogged outfield, like Mohun Bagan did in their April 19 encounter.
"Footballers should play whether there's rain, sun, whatever the conditions, but if the ball does not roll, you have to cancel the game," Manolo said to reporters ahead of this tie.
Weather Conditions
Conditions in Guwahati could play a significant role. Thunderstorms and rain are forecasted, with temperatures around 31°C and high humidity levels expected to test stamina, particularly in the second half.
Match Venue, Details
The FC Goa vs NorthEast United FC match is scheduled to be played at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati, from 5 p.m. Indian Standard Time on Friday.
Head-to-Head
The contest between these two teams has been evenly balanced in the past with FC Goa holding the edge with six wins compared to five victories for NEUFC from 24 matches. Thirteen matches between the two sides have ended in a draw, making it the most common result.
Predicted XIs
- NorthEast United FC (4-1-4-1): Gurmeet Singh; Robin Yadav, Andy RodrÃguez, Asheer Akhtar, Buanthanglun Samte; Mayakkannan Muthu; Parthib Gogoi, Macarton Nickson, Jairo Samperio, Jithin MS; Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia.
- FC Goa (4-2-3-1): Hrithik Tiwari; Akash Sangwan, Sandesh Jhingan, Pol Moreno Sánchez, Boris Singh Thangjam; Ayush Dev Chhetri, Harsh Shailesh Patre; Brison Fernandes, Mohammad Yasir, Dejan Dražić; Muhammed Nemil Vailiyattil.
How To Watch Live Telecast?
The match will be broadcasted on the Sony Sports Ten 2 (English) television channel.
How To Watch Live Streaming?
The match will be streamed live on the FanCode app and website.
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