Earlier that day, Sporting Club Delhi will strive to build momentum by securing their second consecutive win against NorthEast United FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati, starting at 17:00 IST.

Both fixtures will be streamed live on FanCode and broadcast on Sony Sports TEN 2.

NorthEast United FC return to action after a 20-day break, seeking to recover from a 1-4 loss to Odisha FC last month. Sporting Club Delhi, who secured their first ISL win in the previous round, aim to continue their upward trajectory. Sitting 12th with five points, Delhi trail NorthEast United by a single point; a victory would move them to eight points and above their opponents.

Historically, Sporting Club Delhi, including their lineage as Hyderabad FC and FC Pune City, have 10 wins against NorthEast United’s seven, with five draws. NorthEast United FC head coach Juan Pedro Benali described their opponents as having “a clear system, a clear way to play with very fast, technically good players.” He added, “They have a good coach on the bench. They are highly motivated because they won the last game and we didn’t. I think it will not be easy.”

Forward Ankith Padmanabhan expressed the squad’s determination: “We will give our absolute best and try to get three points. The morale in the dressing room is always high and we are just one win away to get back in full rhythm.”

Sporting Club Delhi’s assistant coach Noel Joseph acknowledged the challenge but expressed confidence: “We go game by game. Every match is an opportunity to climb the table. Our last two performances have been very good, and this is another chance to set higher standards.” Joseph noted that head coach Tomasz Tchorz will be suspended for the match after receiving a red card previously. He added, “NorthEast United is well organised, has a good structure, and is creative on set pieces. With all respect to them, we are going for three points.”

Player Augustine Lalrochana highlighted the importance of winning: “If we win the next match, we can move higher in the table. We need to win every match, so we’re working hard and focusing on the next game.”

In the evening fixture, FC Goa will seek a response following a 0-2 defeat to Bengaluru FC, which ended their unbeaten run and dropped them to seventh place with 10 points. Head coach Manolo Marquez emphasised the need to convert draws into victories, noting the team has four draws in seven matches. A win would elevate Goa to 13 points.

Odisha FC arrive aiming to rebound from a 0-1 loss to league leaders Mumbai City FC. Despite a strong defensive effort led by Carlos Delgado and key saves by goalkeeper Amrinder Singh, the team conceded a 73rd-minute header. Odisha FC sit tenth with five points from five matches and will look to climb the table. With games in hand, a victory would enhance their prospects.

FC Goa have dominated this fixture historically, recording 15 wins to Odisha FC’s three in 24 ISL encounters, with six draws. The Gaurs won their most recent meeting 2-1 at Goa in February 2025.

Reflecting on their recent loss, Manolo Marquez said, “I was disappointed with how we started. You cannot concede so early against an experienced team like Bengaluru. Even if statistics showed we had more possession and corners, they controlled the game.” He expressed satisfaction with the squad and confidence in the season ahead.

Assessing the league positions with six matches remaining, Marquez said, “We are in mid-table, so it’s also a moment to give chances to other players. We still have six games and can fight for something more, although it will be difficult to reach the top positions.”

Regarding Odisha FC, Marquez praised their organisation: “They are well organised defensively. Before the competition, I thought they might struggle because they didn’t train early, but they are competing very well. They have experienced players and are very competitive. It will be a difficult game. The team that scores first will have a big advantage.”

FC Goa young player Bob Jackson Raj commented on squad dynamics: “As a young player in the squad, every time you watch the game you want to play, play, play, and sometimes you get demotivated. But as you become a professional, you understand that training sessions are more important. That’s what I’m focusing on – giving my best in training and waiting for my opportunity.”

Odisha FC head coach TG Purushothaman expressed pride in his team’s collective effort and outlined their tactical priorities following the narrow defeat: “These boys have shown brilliance. Playing as a team is appreciable. They are giving everything. We are focusing on the present and preparing for the upcoming match. We must focus on all aspects – defence, attack, transitions. Goals will come when we create more chances.”

He added, “It will be an evenly fought match. I don’t focus on foreigners – it’s about quality. We are facing a good team with a good coach. We are prepared. We’ve analysed their defence, attack, and transitions. We’ve practised solutions and hope to implement them.”

Midfielder Rohit Kumar highlighted the team’s resilience despite limited preparation time: “As professionals, we must deliver in any situation. We were desperate to play. We had a short pre-season, but the coach gave confidence. From the first game onward, we’ve developed and want to continue this path.”

With important points at stake, all four teams will aim to secure victories to build momentum as the season reaches its final stages.