Churchill Brothers to host NorthEast United in ISL 2026-27 fixture in Goa
Churchill Brothers will host NorthEast United FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa, in an Indian Super League 2026-27 match on November 5, 2026, as both sides prepare for a key early-season encounter in the competition.
The Red Machines began their debut ISL campaign with a win but have since lost consecutive games to East Bengal FC and Punjab FC, leaving them with one win in three matches and no clean sheets in their first three outings. Churchill sit ninth in the points table after a 4-0 defeat to the reigning champions of India followed by a 3-2 loss to Punjab FC, the latter settled by Konsam Sanathoi Singh’s late winner for the Shers.
NorthEast United arrive unbeaten, having beaten Mohun Bagan and Kerala Blasters and drawn with Bengaluru FC and Odisha FC in their last two games; the Highlanders have conceded two goals in four matches and recorded clean sheets against Mohun Bagan and Odisha. Pedro Benali’s side were denied a win at home to Bengaluru when Venkatesh scored a late equaliser to make it 1-1.
Churchill have no reported suspensions or injury concerns ahead of the game, and Okoro and Vincy Barretto are expected to be fit after being substituted for tactical reasons in the previous match. NorthEast United are likely to be without Macarton Louis Nickson and Jithin MS, who suffered injuries in the club’s most recent ISL match against Bengaluru FC.
Projected lineups named in the preview list Churchill Brothers as: Sayad Kadir (GK); Anil Gaonkar, Melroy Assisi, Gaurav Bora, Maibam Singh; Dramane Salou, A Luwang; Vincy Barretto, Sebastian Gutierrez, Wayde Lekay; John Okoli. NorthEast United FC (4-2-3-1): Gurmeet Singh (GK); Nikhil Barla, Eneko Satrustegui, Pramveer, Abdul Rabeeh; Mayakkannan, Moyano; Parthib Gogoi, R. Tlang, Gonzalez; Ajaraie.
Colombian midfielder Sebastian Gutierrez has scored three goals in three games, including a brace in the most recent Churchill appearance, forming the main attacking threat for the hosts. South African Wayde Lekay, who stands at 6 feet 2 inches and was part of Churchill’s I League-winning team in the 2024-25 season, is yet to score this campaign but offers aerial presence and positional flexibility as a winger or striker.
Abdul Rabeeh has been singled out among NorthEast’s performers after the Bengaluru game; the former FC Goa full-back has logged over 350 minutes for the Highlanders, established himself as a regular starter, and in the last match was credited with keeping Soham quiet and making the most defensive contributions. He is expected to contend with Vincy Barretto on the flanks.
The match is scheduled for November 5, 2026, at the Fatorda Stadium, Goa, with a 5:00 PM IST kickoff; live coverage will be on Sony Ten 2 and Sony Ten 2 HD and the fixture will be available to stream for free on YouTube. A win for Juan Pedro Benali’s side would move NorthEast United to the top of the table, leapfrogging the Mariners.
