NorthEast United FC Hosts Mumbai City FC in Shillong Showdown

SHILLONG: The Indian Super League (ISL) is set to make its first appearance in Meghalaya as NorthEast United FC gears up to take on Mumbai City FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on February 7 at 7:30 PM IST. NorthEast United, sitting fourth with 29 points from 19 matches, is seeking to stretch their unbeaten streak to nine games after a goalless draw against East Bengal FC recently.

In their previous meeting this season, the Highlanders won 3-0 against the Islanders and are looking to repeat that success to achieve a league double, something they last did in the 2020-21 season when they last reached the playoffs.

Mumbai City FC, placed sixth with 28 points from 18 games, will look to get back to their best after two draws in their last five matches. The Islanders have been poor going forward, and are the fourth-lowest scoring team in the league with just 22 goals in 14 matches. NorthEast United has been far more prolific, scoring 37 goals, and Alaaeddine Ajaraie has been the main beneficiary, netting 18 goals to top the league's scoring charts.

This match showcases a collision of styles, where Mumbai City FC is the side with the longest average passing sequences in the league, while NorthEast United has the shortest. Coaches Juan Pedro Benali and Petr Kratky concurred that this is an extremely important match in the race for the playoffs and thus requires focus and improvement. Traditionally, Mumbai City FC has an upper hand going into matches against NorthEast United, having won 11 of their 21 encounters.

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