Shillong Lajong FC vs NorthEast United FC Prediction

Shillong Lajong FC vs NorthEast United FC Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups & Team News | Durand Cup

Manav Chowdhury

Published - Aug 07, 2025, 01:30 PM

6 min

Shillong Lajong FC vs NorthEast United FC Prediction

Summary

This will be the first time these two sides will lock horns in the Durand Cup
Ajaraie will be a big threat to Shillong Lajong in the upcoming fixture for sure
Last time, both teams faced each other in the Super Cup, in which the Highlanders won the game

Shillong Lajong FC vs NorthEast United FC Preview

Competition: Durand Cup
Date: Friday, 8 August, 2025
Kick-Off Time: 01:30 PM GMT
Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium

As the 134th edition of the Durand Cup has started, the race for the knockout stage is firing up as the tournament progresses. As I-League side Shillong Lajong FC will take on the ISL side NorthEast United FC. Both clubs are placed in group E alongside Malaysian Armed Forces and Rangdajied United FC. Here's Sportsdunia's Shillong Lajong vs NorthEast United FC Preview:

Shillong Lajong are participating in this competition with an all Indian squad, and despite that, they have beaten the Malaysian Armed Forces by 6-0 and also beaten Rangdajied United FC by 3-1. They will look to finish their group stage campaign undefeated, but it won't be an easy task as the Highlanders have a full squad with them. Quality-wise, surely there are some differences in the squad between these two teams, but Shillong Lajong will be ready for the challenge.

The Highlanders are one of the few ISL clubs taking part in this edition's Durand Cup, and they will look to defend their title as they won the last edition tournament in a stunning way. They are one of the favourites to win this competition, but their pathway won't be easy. Juan Pedro Benali has full trust in his boys and surely they will hope to make their fans proud. Last time out, when these two teams faced each other, the Highlanders won the game narrowly and will hope to win this upcoming fixture as well. This will be a mouthwatering clash.

Here is the Shillong Lajong vs NorthEast United FC preview:

Shillong Lajong FC Team News

Birendra Thapa, head coach of Shillong Lajong (Image Credit: Official X account of sreenidhideccan_

Shillong Lajong will be very confident going into this match, despite having an all Indian squad in this tournament, they are very much capable enough to give the ISL side a tough time. They don't have any injury issues going into the upcoming fixture, as all the players are fit to play.

NorthEast United FC Team News

Juan Pedro Benali, head coach of NorthEast United FC (Image Credit: Official X account of kbfcxtra)

The Highlanders are participating in this competition with a full squad, and they are the defending champions of this tournament and are very much ready to defend their title. Juan Pedro Benali don't have any injury concerns going into the match.

Shillong Lajong FC vs NorthEast United FC Predicted Lineups

Here's Sportsdunia's Shillong Lajong FC vs NorthEast United FC predicted lineups:

Shillong Lajong FC Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Siwel

Defenders: Muansang, Sital, Kenstar, Ephraim

Midfielders: Tremiki, Gladdy, Wadajied

Forwards: Buam, Sana, Figo

NorthEast United Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Dipesh

Defenders: Bekey, Dinesh, Zabaco, Tondomba

Midfielders: Andy, Biakdika, Maya

Forwards: Jithin, Parthib, Ajaraie

Shillong Lajong FC vs NorthEast United FC Head-to-Head Record

Both teams have faced each other only once, as the Highlanders won that game.

Date	Result	Competition
15/01/2024	NorthEast United 2-1 Shillong Lajong	Super Cup

Shillong Lajong vs NorthEast United Last Fixture

Key Players to Watch in NorthEast United vs Shillong Lajong

Phrangki Buam (Shillong Lajong FC)

Phrangki is from Meghalaya and has now part of the Shillong Lajong squad for the last two seasons. He is a versatile player who can play as a winger as well as an attacking midfielder. He has experience playing in the ISL as well. He didn't get proper game time in ISL clubs, that's why he decided to play in the I-League, and surely he hasn't disappointed till now. Despite being short in stature, he is very fast, agile and strong. He will have to be at his best to help his team get a positive result.

Alaaeddine Ajaraie (NorthEast United FC)

The Moroccan star has started his new season with a hat-trick, as he helped his team win thier first match of the season against the Malaysian Army. He has already broken many records in the ISL in his debut season and will hope to do the same this year as well. Quality-wise, most probably, he is the best forward as of now who is playing in India. Ajaraie has pace, strength, and agility, which make him a perfect player who can make an impact on the pitch. Last season, he won the Golden Boot as well as the player of the season in ISL. Ajaraie is a key part of Juan Pedro Benali's tactical system.

Shillong Lajong FC vs NorthEast United FC Prediction

The I-League side will lock horns against the defending champions of the Durand Cup. This will be a mouthwatering clash for sure, as both these teams have quality players on their side and have a similar playing style. This will be a kind of derby match, and surely a large number of fans are expected to watch this fixture. Most probably, the highlanders will win this match.