Two crucial fixtures in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025–26 will be played on Friday, April 10, with FC Goa hosting Odisha FC at the PJN Stadium in Goa (19:30 IST) and NorthEast United FC taking on Sporting Club Delhi at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati (17:00 IST).
With the league approaching its decisive phase, both matches carry significant implications for the standings.
NorthEast United FC vs Sporting Club Delhi
NorthEast United return to action after a 20-day gap, eager to recover from a heavy 1-4 defeat against Odisha FC. The Highlanders currently sit 11th on the table with six points and will hope to make the most of home advantage. Sporting Club Delhi, meanwhile, arrive in Guwahati riding high on their first win of the season. With five points, Delhi trail NorthEast by a single point and have the opportunity to leapfrog them with a victory.
Historically, Delhi’s lineage previously associated with clubs like Hyderabad FC and FC Pune City has fared better in this fixture, with 10 wins compared to NorthEast’s seven.
NorthEast head coach Juan Pedro Benali acknowledged the challenge ahead, praising Delhi’s structured and dynamic style. “They play good football with fast, technically sound players,” he said. “They’re highly motivated after winning their last game, so it won’t be easy.”
Photo: Arjun singh / Focus Sports / ISL
Forward Ankith Padmanabhan echoed the optimism within the squad, stating that morale remains high despite recent setbacks. “We are just one win away from regaining our rhythm,” he said.
Sporting Club Delhi will be without head coach Tomasz Tchórz, who is suspended following a red card in their last match against Kerala Blasters. Assistant coach Noel Joseph will oversee proceedings and has called for composure and ambition. “Every match is an opportunity to climb the table,” he said. “NorthEast are strong and well-organised, but we’re here for three points.”
FC Goa vs Odisha FC
In the evening fixture, FC Goa return home looking to bounce back from their first loss of the season, a 0-2 defeat to Bengaluru FC. Despite a promising start to the campaign, Goa have drawn four of their seven matches, and converting those draws into wins remains a priority.
Currently seventh with 10 points, a win would move Goa to 13 and boost their chances of breaking into the top four. Head coach Manolo Márquez stressed the need for a sharper start. “We conceded too early against Bengaluru, and that cannot happen again,” he said. “We must be more clinical and composed.”
The Gaurs have historically dominated Odisha FC, winning 15 of their 24 ISL meetings. However, Márquez remains cautious, noting that Odisha are disciplined and capable of causing problems. “They are defensively strong and experienced,” he said. “The first goal will be crucial.”
Win Exciting Prizes by Playing Sports Quiz – Download IndiaSportsHub App
Odisha FC, sitting tenth with five points from five matches, are looking to bounce back after a narrow 0-1 defeat to league leaders Mumbai City FC. Head coach T.G. Purushothaman highlighted the positives from that performance. “We competed well and showed discipline,” he said. “We must now be more clinical and focus on both attack and transitions.”
Midfielder Rohit Kumar underlined the team’s determination despite limited preparation time. “We had a short pre-season, but the team is improving every game. We want to keep building,” he said.
Youngster Bob Jackson Raj is among Goa’s emerging talents hoping to make an impact. Speaking about his journey, he emphasised patience and preparation. “I’m focusing on improving in training and waiting for my opportunity,” he said.
With the season moving into a decisive stretch, all four teams will be eager to secure valuable points. Whether it’s FC Goa’s bid to climb back up the table, Odisha’s attempt to build momentum, NorthEast’s pursuit of home redemption, or Sporting Club Delhi’s push to rise from the bottom half, Friday’s fixtures promise intense competition and high stakes.
