Preview: NorthEast United, Kerala Blasters aim to get back on track

Both teams have failed to keep a clean sheet so far this season.

The Indian Super League (ISL) is up and running with its ninth edition, this time with the fans. After four entertaining weeks, the focus now shifts to Game-week 5. This one is full of entertaining fixtures, including one between NorthEast United and Kerala Blasters.

Two teams with so much to play for will go up against each other in the chilling cold of Guwahati on November 5 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic stadium. 

Here’s all you need to know ahead of this high voltage clash.

The Stakes

NorthEast United

The Highlanders are in trouble big time. They’ve lost all their four games and are staring at yet another disappointing campaign already. Marco Balbul’s side have had multiple on and off-the-field issues and are yet to find their mojo.

They come into this game on the back of a narrow 1-0 defeat to Jamshedpur FC last weekend - their fourth this season. Moreover, Marco Balbul will not be available on the sidelines as he was shown a red card in the previous encounter.

Kerala Blasters

Things are not very different for the Blasters either. They won their opening game, but have been searching for good form ever since. After their opening day win against East Bengal, the Blasters have lost three on the trot.

Out of those three defeats, two of them have come at their home in Kochi. They come into this game on the back of a humiliating 0-2 defeat to Mumbai City at home. The game against NorthEast United has come in at the perfect time for Kerala Blasters as it will help them regain their momentum for sure.

Team News

NorthEast United’s star midfielder Romain Philippoteaux might miss out on this game (injury) while Kerala Blasters are expected to have a fully fit squad.

Head-to-Head

Both teams have played each other 16 times where Kerala Blasters have won six, NorthEast United have won four while the remaining six games have ended in a draw.

Probable Line-ups

NorthEast United: Arindam Bhattacharya (GK); Mohamed Irshad, Aaron Evans, Michael Jakobsen, Gurjinder Kumar; Jon Gaztanaga, Emanuel Lalchhanchhuaha, Imran Khan; Emil Benny, Matt Derbyshire, Jithin MS.

Kerala Blasters: Prabhsukhan Gill (GK); Harmanjot Khabra, Marko Leskovic, Hormipam Ruivah, Jessel Carneiro; Sahal Abdul Samad, Puitea, Ivan Kaliuzhnyi, Jeakson Singh, Adrian Luna; Dimitrios Diamantakos.

Man to watch

Imran Khan (NorthEast United)

Imran Khan has been a livewire on the pitch for the Highlanders ever since he has come into the side. He made his first start of the season in the last game against Jamshedpur FC and was undoubtedly his side’s best player.

He can operate as an attacking midfielder and can also chip in as a winger at times. His versatility and presence of mind can come in very handy for the Highlanders.

Adrian Luna (Kerala Blasters)

Adrian Luna has been Kerala Blasters' messiah time and again. He has come up with magical moments filled with unthinkable goals, movements and so much more on the pitch time and again.

It’s high time Kerala Blasters try and come back on the track and start winning points. And for them to do so, Luna has to step up.

Did You Know?

• NorthEast United are yet to win a game in ISL 2022-23.
• Both NorthEast United and Kerala Blasters have failed to keep a clean sheet so far this season.
• Kerala Blasters have conceded the most number of goals this season (10).

Telecast

The live telecast of the NorthEast United vs Kerala Blasters game will be available on the Star Sports Network. The live stream of the fixture can be viewed on Disney+Hotstar and JioTV. Kick-off is at 7:30 PM on Saturday (November 5).