NorthEast United FC is set to face Jamshedpur FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong in the second one-legged knockout match of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 playoffs on March 30 at 7:30 PM IST.
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NorthEast United FC vs Jamshedpur FC: Preview
Indian Super League (ISL) side NorthEast United FC is set to kick off the final phase of their season as club football resumes following the international break. With the group stage concluded, all teams now turn their attention to the crucial playoffs.
The fourth-placed Highlanders will face fifth-placed Jamshedpur FC in the ISL playoffs, battling for a spot in the semi-finals. The victor of this clash will take on Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the second semi-final.
After three underwhelming seasons, the Highlanders have made a strong comeback, securing a spot in the playoffs. NorthEast United FC has been a delight to watch this season, delivering consistent and commanding performances.
Their attacking, free-flowing style has made them a prolific goal-scoring side while leaving opponents with little room to respond. Having already completed a league double over the Red Miners, they will be eager to gain an early edge. Head coach Juan Pedro Benali has built a well-balanced squad and will be determined to guide his team past Jamshedpur on Sunday.
NorthEast United FC secured fourth place in the league standings with 38 points from 24 matches, registering 10 wins and eight draws. They head into this clash on a four-match unbeaten run against Jamshedpur FC (W3 D1), equaling their longest streak against the Red Miners. Notably, this will mark the first-ever playoff meeting between the two sides in ISL history.
The Highlanders have kept back-to-back clean sheets and could set a new club record for their longest shutout streak if they manage to keep Jamshedpur at bay. However, history suggests a tough challenge for NorthEast United, as they have conceded in all four of their previous playoff matches in the competition.
NorthEast United FC boasts the highest dribble success rate this season (50.3%) among all teams. A combination of individual flair and well-coordinated team play could help them exploit gaps in Jamshedpur FC’s defensive third.
Star forward Alaaeddine Ajaraie has been a menace for Jamshedpur FC, scoring four goals in just two ISL encounters against them. Another brace would make the Moroccan only the third player in league history to score twice in a match on three occasions against the same opponent, joining Bartholomew Ogbeche (vs Odisha FC) and Roy Krishna (vs Jamshedpur FC).
Nestor Albiach (11 goals) is just two goals away from becoming NorthEast United FC’s second-highest goal scorer in ISL history. The 32-year-old has netted six times and provided one assist in the ongoing season.
In contrast, Jamshedpur FC has experienced a season of two halves. The Red Miners have secured 10 wins but have also suffered 12 defeats, struggling with inconsistency under Khalid Jamil.
Historically, they have held the upper hand against NorthEast United, but this season has been different. They have lost both league encounters, conceding a total of seven goals, and will need a much-improved performance to turn things around in the playoffs.
Jamshedpur FC has conceded 35 goals from open play this season, the second-most by any team in a single ISL campaign. Facing NorthEast United FC, the league’s second-highest scorers with 46 goals, could be a daunting challenge for the visitors in these conditions.
Javi Siverio has netted six goals for Jamshedpur FC in the ISL 2024-25 season. He has also registered 22 key passes and recorded 107 touches inside the opponent’s box.
Rei Tachikawa registered a goal and an assist in Jamshedpur FC’s previous match. If he delivers another contribution, it will be only the third time he has done so in consecutive ISL games. However, he is yet to record a goal or assist against the Highlanders.
The Red Miners have yet to secure a playoff victory, having lost 0-1 and drawn 1-1 against Kerala Blasters FC in the 2021-22 semi-finals. Khalid Jamil now has a historic opportunity to guide the club to its first-ever win at this stage of the ISL.
NorthEast United FC vs Jamshedpur FC: Head-to-head
NorthEast United FC and Jamshedpur FC have clashed 16 times in ISL history, with the Highlanders winning four matches and the Red Miners securing six victories. The remaining six encounters have ended in draws.
- Total Matches played – 17
- NorthEast United FC Wins – 4
- Jamshedpur FC Wins – 7
- Draws -6
NorthEast United FC vs Jamshedpur FC: Team News and Predicted Lineup
NorthEast United FC – Team News
NorthEast United FC have had ample rest ahead of this clash and are likely to have a fully fit squad available for selection.
NorthEast United FC – Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper – Gurmeet Singh
- Defenders – Samte, Michel Zabaco, Asheer Akhtar, Redeem Tlang
- Midfielders – Muthu Mayakannan, Mohammed Bemammer, Macarton Nickson
- Forwards – Thoi Singh Huidrom, Nestor Albiach, Alaeddine Ajaraie
Jamshedpur FC – Team News
Jamshedpur FC have also had sufficient rest before this match and are expected to have a full squad available for selection.
Jamshedpur FC – Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper – Albino Gomes
- Defenders – Nikhil Barla, Pratik Chaudhari, Stephen Eze, Md Uvais
- Midfielders – Lazar Cirkovic, Sourav Das, Javi Hernandez
- Forwards – Imran Khan, Javier Siverio, Md Sanan
NorthEast United FC vs Jamshedpur FC: Prediction
With a semi-final spot up for grabs, NorthEast United FC and Jamshedpur FC will battle in a crucial ISL 2024-25 playoff clash. The Highlanders have been in impressive form, while Jamshedpur FC has struggled with inconsistency throughout the season.
NorthEast United has dominated this fixture in the current campaign, winning both league meetings and scoring seven goals against the Red Miners. Their attacking firepower, led by Alaaeddine Ajaraie and Nestor Albiach, gives them an edge, while their solid defensive displays could make life difficult for Jamshedpur.
Jamshedpur FC, on the other hand, has been vulnerable at the back, conceding 35 goals from open play this season—the second-most in a single ISL campaign. While Javi Siverio and Rei Tachikawa provide attacking threats, their defensive frailties could prove costly against NorthEast United’s relentless attack.
Prediction: NorthEast United FC 2-1 Jamshedpur FC
When and Where To Watch NorthEast United FC vs Jamshedpur FC LIVE? Broadcast and Streaming Details
The 2024-25 ISL playoff clash between NorthEast United FC and Jamshedpur FC is set to take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Sunday, March 30, 2025, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 PM IST.
Fans can catch the action live on Sports 18, while streaming will be available on Jio Hotstar. International viewers can also tune in via the OneFootball app.
FAQs
When and where will the NorthEast United FC vs Jamshedpur FC playoff match take place?
The match will be held on March 30, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong.
What is the head-to-head record between NorthEast United FC and Jamshedpur FC?
In 16 ISL meetings, NorthEast United FC has won four, Jamshedpur FC has won six, and six matches have ended in draws.
Who are the key players to watch in this match?
NorthEast United FC: Alaaeddine Ajaraie (4 goals vs JFC), Nestor Albiach (11 ISL goals).
Jamshedpur FC: Javi Siverio (6 goals this season), Rei Tachikawa (goal & assist in last game).
Which team has the better form going into the match?
NorthEast United FC is on a four-game unbeaten run against Jamshedpur FC (W3 D1) and has kept consecutive clean sheets. Jamshedpur FC has struggled defensively, conceding 35 goals from open play this season.
What is the predicted scoreline for NorthEast United FC vs Jamshedpur FC?
NorthEast United FC 3-1 Jamshedpur FC – The Highlanders’ attacking firepower and superior form make them favorites to advance to the semi-finals.
