Kerala Blasters FC host confident NorthEast United FC as both teams aim to get back to winning ways

by Chittu Shetty October 20, 2023

Kerala Blasters FC will host NorthEast United FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi to cap off the doubleheader on October 21, Saturday.

The Blasters have had two victories along with a loss in their three games until now. The Highlanders have bagged four points on the back of a win, defeat, and a draw each. A possible goal-fest is on the cards given that the two teams have shown some impressive attacking prowess so far this season.

What’s at stake?

Kerala Blasters FC

Kerala has fared well courtesy of Adrian Luna, with the Uruguayan starring in their triumphs in the opening couple of fixtures. They gave the Islanders a good run for their money at the Mumbai Football Arena (MFA) and will start this match on the front foot riding on the support of their home crowd.

NorthEast United FC

NorthEast United FC drew their previous game against Punjab FC but they have shown greater promise and potential under the tutelage of Juan Pedro Benali in this campaign. The key is to not surrender that momentum after the international break and instead capitalize on that in this difficult away match.

Key Players

Danish Farooq (Kerala Blasters FC)

The 27-year-old player scored against Mumbai City FC and has shown a tendency to get into goal-scoring positions by playing from an advanced midfield position. Whether he pounces upon those chances more consistently will be keenly watched in the coming games.

Parthib Gogoi (NorthEast United FC)

Parthib Gogoi has been the star of the season for the Highlanders, scoring in all three of their matches. The attacker has signed a contract extension with the club and he will be striving to sustain the positive form he developed before the international break.

Head-to-Head

Played – 18

Kerala Blasters FC – 8

NorthEast United FC – 4

Draws – 6

Team Talk

“They are not a bad team. I saw the last three games, they have played good games. They have good wingers. They have good foreign players in each line. Midfielders aren’t bad either. They showed good attacks with the help of good wingers against Mumbai. I think their team is much better than last year, we know that, and we must be ready for that,” Kerala Blasters FC assistant coach Frank Dauwen spoke about the Highlanders.

“We know Kerala Blasters is a big team. A team that plays good football, if you see the last three games, they deserved better in the last game against Mumbai. It’s a strong team. Even if they have some players injured, others will come in and it will still be strong. It will be a tough game. It will be a very nice, beautiful game, with nice crowd support and it will be a nice evening of football,” NorthEast United FC head coach Juan Pedro Benali mentioned in the pre-match press conference.

ISL Fantasy:

Top Picks & Players to Watch Out

Adrian Luna (10.5 cr)

Scored twice in three appearances in ISL 2023-24

Sachin Suresh (4.2 cr)

Recorded a 75% save percentage this season

Parthib Gogoi (6 cr)

Three goals in three matches in this campaign

Also Read: Parthib Gogoi: Playing for NorthEast United FC is a dream come true for me

Also Read: Joyson Chettiar’s four-Star Performance Powers Ultras to 7-1 win over Colaba FC

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