NorthEast United FC vs Kerala Blasters FC: Three Key Battles to watch out for | ISL 2026-27

NorthEast United FC lock horns with Kerala Blasters FC on 18th October.

NorthEast United FC and Kerala Blasters FC face each other in matchweek 2, after both had a victorious start in match-week 1 of their 2026-27 Indian Super League (ISL) seasons. NorthEast United’s vertical, transition-heavy football meets Kerala Blasters’ patient, structured build-up.

Both sides arrive into this match with belief: the Highlanders after a late win over Mohun Bagan SG, and the Blasters after a controlled dismissal of Inter Kashi FC. Systems will matter less than three micro-duels, which will set who controls tempo, who wins the wide channels and who owns the penalty area.

In this article, we will take a look at the three different player battles that are most likely to decide the outcome of this fixture.

Antonio Moyano vs. Vibin Mohanan

Vibin Mohanan, the Blasters’ new captain, scored and had an impressive evening against Inter Kashi. He drops between lines, sidesteps the first press and plays from the half-spaces.

His job is to keep scanning and progressing the ball. Moyano’s job is to deny that time. He stood up to Mohun Bagan’s midfield and must now suppress space around Vibin, shadow his receiving angles and win second balls in the central channels.

Each turnover there feeds NorthEast’s counter. Vibin’s press resistance travels well, especially if he gets a dual pivot with Freddy Lallawmawma. If Moyano is isolated, Kerala set the geography of the game.

Jithin MS vs. Aiban Dohling

Jithin MS arrives after a 92nd-minute winner against Mohun Bagan. He stretches the pitch with repeated runs into the channel between centre-back and full-back, finishing either with cutbacks or direct carries.

Dohling was solid against Inter Kashi through interceptions and blocks rather than flair. His discipline faces a different test here: Jithin’s change of pace punishes early commitment.

Dohling must hold his depth, show the winger toward the touchline and keep passing lanes into the box closed. If Jithin gets Dohling isolated before Kerala’s block is set. If Kerala’s midfield tracks back and doubles up, Dohling’s positioning keeps him quiet.

Alaeddine Ajaraie vs. James Bolton

Ajaraie works as a floating forward. He peels off markers, drops into pockets to link play, then arrives late on the blind side into the six-yard box. He didn’t score against Mohun Bagan, but his rotations still disrupted their defensive shape. Bolton was Kerala’s leader at the back against Inter Kashi.

He reads play ahead of the ball, wins aerial duels and steps out to sweep. The danger is being dragged out of line: if Ajaraie drops and Bolton follows, runners like Parthib Gogoi exploit the space.

Bolton must pass Ajaraie to his holding midfielders and keep the line compact. Set pieces will test his communication too. Bolton, provided his line stays organised will be a difficult task for Ajjarrie to crack.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.