After 409 days, NorthEast United will be back at Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday and take on in-form Jamshedpur FC in their first home match in over a year.“Finally, we’re going to play our first home match. I have never played here before,” said NEUFC new signing Lalrinzuala, the player who has dominated NEUFC’s play in the four matches they have played so far. “I am a bit nervous, but at the same time, I am really excited. However, it gives us motivation to get the three points.”The young striker’s heroics have been lost in a mediocre beginning for the former Durand Cup champions where they have drawn three, lost one and lie on 10th spot in the 14-team ISL table with just three points.It’s a different story for their rivals on Sunday who have had a perfect start to the season having won all four games and are second behind leaders Mohun Bagan with 12 points.NEUFC, however, would aim to change that when they play before the home fans. “It’s a great feeling,” Juan Pedro Benali said on Saturday. “We hope we are able to reward the expectation that everybody’s waiting for us has. Really excited to see our fans back.”The Highlanders have a strong pool of Indian options with Jithin MS, Parthib Gogoi, Thoi Singh and Lalbiakdika providing pace and creativity in the final third.In midfield, Macarton Nickson, Mayakkannan and Spaniard Andy Rodriguez will look to dictate the tempo, while Gurmeet Singh is expected to continue in goal, marshalled by captain Michel Zabaco alongside Asheer Akhtar, Dinesh Singh, Redeem Tlang, Bekey Oram, Buanthanglun Samte and Tondonba Singh in defence.But all eyes will be on the former I-League star Lalrinzuala who has had a part to play in all three of NEUFC’s goals this season and, in the process, scored his first goal in ISL. And Benali will bank on the Mizo attacker to earn their first win this season.“Lalrinzuala is a very good striker and a great person. He needs to trust himself, his teammates and keep playing. It’s a big jump from the I-League to ISL and he’s adapting to it. He needs to keep working, and he has a bright future. I am sure with time he will prove to everyone that he’s one of the best strikers in the league,” said the Spanish coach.His counterpart and “close friend” Owen Coyle, whose team is enjoying an unbeaten run, is aware of the threat that NEUFC poses at home. “They are a very organised team who don’t give much away. We must take care of the ball, move it quickly and be more clinical when chances come. Away matches are always challenging, but we are confident if we perform at our best,” Coyle said.While the forward line has faced a dearth of goals, midfielders Madi Talal and Messi Bouli have been outstanding for them “in terms of overall contribution”. Being the only side who has not conceded so far, the visitors will look to keep up their streak against the Highlanders.Hosts to pay tribute to Zubeen Garg: NEUFC will pay tribute to legendary singer Zubeen Garg, who passed away in September 2025, when they take field on Sunday. The iconic artist was a passionate supporter of the club and a voice that resonated deeply across the northeast.
