Mohun Bagan Super Giant: New season, new coach and new expectations. Mohun Bagan Super Giants are set to open their ISL 2026-27 campaign against NorthEast United FC on Monday, October 12 at the Sarusjai Stadium in Guwahati. The Green-Maroon camp will enter the field with the confidence of winning the IFA Shield. However, in order to beat Northeast at home, the Kolkata team will have to focus on controlling and defending the midfield as well as maintaining the edge of attack. The five footballers Mohun Bagan will be watching ahead of the match are Lalianjuala Changte, Miguel Figueira, Lee Irwin, Anirudh Thapa and Vishal Keith.
Lalianjuala Changte — Speed Storm’s main attack weapon
There will be increased expectations on the Indian winger who joined Mohun Bagan from Mumbai City FC. Lallianzuala Chhangte showed his attacking skills by scoring a hat-trick in the IFA Shield. His pace, dribbling and ability to break through opposition defenses can turn the tide of a match. To see how successful he is in one-on-one situations against Northeast’s fullbacks.
Miguel Figueira — New address for creativity in midfield
The Brazilian midfielder won the ISL Golden Ball for East Bengal last season. This time his address is Mohun Bagan. As a result, the expectations of the green-maroon supporters are also quite high. His role is important in all three areas: moving the ball forward, speeding up the attack, creating scoring opportunities for his teammates with perfect passes. How effective Miguel Figueira can be against Northeast’s solid midfield is a big test.
Sahal Abdul Samad — Trust in the last pass
The pass for the winning goal against East Bengal in the IFA Shield final came from Sahal Abdul Samad’s feet. His role could be crucial in linking the midfield and attack in coach Panos Dilmperis’ strategy. His main task will be to find space between the opposition’s two defense lines, play quick passes and create scoring chances. Stay in the starting XI or come on as a substitute, Sahal’s creativity can be a key match asset.
Lee Irwin — Scottish striker in search of goals
One of the most important additions to Mohun Bagan’s attack in the new season is Lee Erwin. The Scottish striker has already proved his effectiveness by scoring in the IFA Shield. His big weapons are getting to the right place in the box, holding the ball and joining his teammates in the attack and taking quick shots when given the opportunity. With Jamie McLaren’s injury uncertain, more responsibility could fall on Irwin. However, his inclusion in the starting XI will depend on the coach’s final decision.
Giant Kaith — The last sentinel to handle the defense
Not just attack, Mohun Bagan’s chances of victory will also depend on goalkeeper Vishal Kaith. Keith will have to be careful in front of the goal post with dangerous strikers like Alaeddin Azarai for the North East. Quick reactions, skill in one-on-one situations and giving the right direction to the defense—all these are important aspects of his role. Keith will be one of the benchmarks of how organized the defense is during the opponent’s attack.
Last word: Can Mohun Bagan start with a win in Guwahati?
The confidence of winning the IFA Shield is Mohun Bagan’s biggest strength. On the other hand, Northeast United will be looking to start the season on a winning streak at home. As a result, Chang’t’s pace, Figueira’s creativity, Sahal’s perfect passing, Irwin’s goal-scoring prowess and Keith’s reliability—these five aspects can become crucial in deciding the outcome of a match.
- Match: Northeast United FC vs Mohun Bagan Super Giants
- Date: Monday, 12 October 2026
- Time: 7:30 PM (India Time)
- Venue: Sarusjai Stadium, Guwahati.