The grand finale of the Durand Cup is set for Saturday at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium, where reigning champions NorthEast United FC square off against first-time finalists Diamond Harbour FC.
Along with the historic trophy, the winners will pocket a record-breaking prize purse of ₹1.21 crore – the richest reward in the 137-year history of Asia’s oldest football competition.
NorthEast United come into the clash with their sights firmly set on back-to-back titles. Still unbeaten in this edition, the Highlanders cruised through the group stage with two wins and a draw, before hammering Bodoland FC 4-0 in the quarterfinals and edging Shillong Lajong 1-0 in a hard-fought semifinal.
For Diamond Harbour, this is a fairytale moment. The debutants have been the surprise package of the tournament and will be chasing their first major silverware. Despite a group stage loss to Mohun Bagan Super Giant, they announced themselves with a thumping 8-1 win over BSF FT and a gutsy 2-1 victory against Mohammedan Sporting.
The knockout stages only added to their growing reputation – brushing aside Jamshedpur FC and then scripting the biggest win in their young history by toppling East Bengal 2-1 in the semifinals.
The Sporting News takes you through a preview of Northeast United's Durand Cup 2025 final against Diamond Harbour FC and all the latest betting advice.
Northeast United vs. Diamond Harbour predictions, tips, bet builder and odds for Durand Cup
Here’s a breakdown of the latest favourites and odds heading into this game.
| Date | Match | Team 1 Odds | Team 2 Odds | Draw |
| August 23 | Northeast United vs. Diamond Harbour FC | 1.43 | 4.80 | 4.40 |
All odds are correct at time of publish with firms listed. Click links to bet.
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BET 1: Total Goals Under 3.5 (1.71, Parimatch)
Juan Pedro Benali's NorthEast United have looked the part of champions again this season, striking a fine balance between attack and defense. The Highlanders have racked up 12 goals while allowing only four at the back – a testament to their solidity on both ends of the pitch. It was this same steel and flair that carried them past Mohun Bagan in last year’s Durand Cup final.
On the other hand, Kibu Vicuna's Diamond Harbour FC have been the revelation of the tournament. Entering the knockouts as a fortunate runners-up from Group B, where they finished behind 17-time winners Mohun Bagan, the debutants have since flipped the script. They stunned Jamshedpur FC in the quarterfinals before pulling off the shock of the season by toppling East Bengal 2-1 in the semifinals.
Much of DHFC's success has come from their lethal strike partnership. Brazilian finisher Clayton Silva and Slovenian hitman Luka Majcen have been on fire, with four goals apiece, making them the heartbeat of this fairytale run.
And while fans often dream of finals overflowing with goals, history usually tells a different tale. More often than not, these high-stakes showdowns turn into cagey, hard-fought duels – low on scoring, but rich in drama, tension, and unforgettable moments.
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BET 2: Diamond Harbour Double Chance (2.56, Parimatch)
Juan Pedro Benali's men may head into the contest as the favourites on paper, but Diamond Harbour FC have built their reputation on defying expectations.
Apart from a heavy 5-1 drubbing at the hands of Mohun Bagan in the group stage, the debutants have come through every other Durand Cup clash with victories.
Adding to their confidence, the final will be staged in Kolkata, effectively giving them a home crowd advantage. With that backing and their fearless approach, TSN is tipping them to spring yet another upset on the big stage.
Northeast United vs. Diamond Harbour predicted score and most likely results
- TSN Score Prediction: Northeast United FC 2-1 Diamond Harbour FC
The Durand Cup final promises to be a blockbuster as an ISL heavyweight goes head-to-head with an I-League underdog.
NorthEast United enter as the visitors, while Diamond Harbour FC enjoy the comforts of home turf, backed by a roaring Kolkata crowd.
With passion running high and everything on the line, fans can expect a fast-paced, nerve-wracking contest. And with the momentum of their fairytale run and home support behind them, the hosts just might have the edge to pull off a famous victory.
Here’s the odds some of the most likely results for this match-up, according to Parimatch.
Odds are correct at the time of publish.
| Result | Odds |
| Northeast United 1-0 | 9.80 |
| Northeast United 2-1 | 7.20 |
| Northeast United 2-0 | 8.55 |
| Diamond Harbour 1-0 | 18.50 |
| Diamond Harbour 2-1 | 29.00 |
| Draw 1-1 | 8.85 |
Diamond Harbour FC vs East Bengal FC predicted lineups, team news
On the other side, NorthEast United have carved their own slice of history, booking a place in consecutive Durand Cup finals for the first time ever. The Highlanders remain unbeaten in this edition of the tournament, and like their opponents, have no suspensions or injury worries to derail their momentum heading into the showdown.
Northeast United FC predicted starting XI (4-3-3, right to left): Gurmeet (GK) — Redeem, Zabaco, Asheer, Samte — Maya, Chema, Andy — Jithin, Rinzuala, Ajaraie.
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Kibu Vicuna’s Diamond Harbour FC have scripted a fairytale in their maiden Durand Cup campaign, storming into the final at the very first attempt. To their delight, they head into the title clash with a clean bill of health, with every player available for selection.
Diamond Harbour FC predicted starting XI (4-5-1, right to left): Mishad (GK) — Ajith Kumar, Ruatkima, Kortazar, Mandi — Paul, Liansanga, Samuel — Justin, Majcen, Hali Charan.
How to watch Northeast United vs. Diamond Harbour in Durand Cup 2025
- Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
- Venue: Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata, India
- Time: 5:30 p.m. IST
- TV/Streaming: Sony Sports Network, Sony LIV
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