NorthEast United FC will start the Indian Super League 2025/26 season with confidence, continuity, and a clear sense of direction.
After an impressive 2024/25 campaign that saw the Highlanders finish 3rd in the league table, expectations have naturally risen in Guwahati. While the playoff knockout defeat prevented a semifinal appearance, the progress made underlined that this side is no longer just competing — they are contending.
Now, with smart additions and a settled core, NorthEast United will once again be having an outside eye firmly on the ISL title race.
Potential Starting XI [4-3-3]
Stability remains the foundation for NorthEast United FC’s this season. In goal, Gurmeet Singh is set to continue as the club’s trusted first-choice goalkeeper after another consistent season between the sticks. His presence ensures continuity at the back, something the Highlanders benefited from heavily last year.
The defensive unit looks largely unchanged, signaling belief in what already works. Redeem Tlang and Buanthanglun Samte are expected to retain their roles as the two wide-backs, offering a balance of defensive solidity and attacking support.
At the heart of defense, club captain Míchel Zabaco continues to marshal the backline alongside Asheer Akhtar, forming a centre-back pairing that proved reliable throughout the previous campaign. This settled and familiar back four could once again be one of NorthEast United’s biggest strengths in the ISL 2025/26 season.
Midfield is where the Highlanders have added a fresh Spanish flavour. New signing Andy Rodríguez is expected to slot in as a dynamic box-to-box midfielder, bringing energy, ball progression, and tactical intelligence. Alongside him, Mayakkannan Muthu and Macarton Nickson could operate as the central midfield anchors, providing balance, ball retention, and defensive cover. This trio offers a blend of work rate, control, and creativity — crucial for dictating games against top ISL opponents.
Out wide, the club’s attacking identity remains exciting and youthful. New Spanish recruit Jairo Samperio is likely to feature on the right wing, adding experience, flair, and end product in the final third. On the opposite flank, the club’s poster boy Parthib Gogoi is expected to continue on the left wing, where his directness, pace, and confidence have made him a fan favourite and a consistent threat. Together, the wings could once again be a major source of goals and assists for the Highlanders.
Leading the line for this season could be a new face with proven pedigree. Fresh signing from Aizawl FC, Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia, the highest Indian goalscorer of the I-League last season, is tipped to be the club’s new number 9. His movement, finishing ability, and hunger to prove himself at the top level could add a new dimension to NorthEast United’s attack. If he adapts quickly, he has the potential to become one of the breakout strikers of the ISL this season.
Of course, the Highlanders will feel the absence of Alaaeddine Ajaraie, last season’s Player of the Tournament and a key figure behind their remarkable run. Replacing his influence, goals, and creativity will not be straightforward. However, NorthEast United will have to rely on collective responsibility, tactical evolution, and the emergence of new leaders rather than searching for a like-for-like replacement.
Conclusion
Ultimately this season shapes up as a defining one for NorthEast United FC, a test of whether last year’s rise was a peak or the beginning of something bigger. With stability across the squad, some new recruitments, and a clear tactical identity already in place, the Highlanders look well-equipped to remain among the league’s elite. The absence of Ajaraie may alter the dynamics, but it also opens the door for new heroes to step up and for the team to evolve beyond individual brilliance. If this group can maintain consistency, embrace the pressure, and turn belief into big-match results, NorthEast United won’t just be chasing a top-four finish again, in fact they could very well push themselves into genuine ISL title contention.
