ISL 2023-24: NorthEast United FC vs Kerala Blasters FC: Preview, Predicted lineup, injury news, H2H, telecast details

NorthUnited FC will look for the much-needed three points to be in the ISL top-six race.

The Indian Super League (ISL) resumed proceedings after a halt due to the international break. The league returned with a bang and has made things very interesting in the context of the sixth and the final playoff spot. 

With a hope to take a crucial step forward to fuel their playoff aspirations, NorthEast United FC will return to action against Kerala Blasters who have already qualified for the playoffs. On that note, let us take a look at the preview ahead of the game.

The Stakes

NorthEast United FC

It is a must-win game for the Highlanders because any slip-ups at this juncture will eliminate them from the playoffs race. They’ve got their faith in their own hands and will do the right things if they want to go into the knockouts. However, they have been out of action for almost a month now and had a forgetful outing in their last game as well. Juan Pedro Benali’s men will have to go all out and win all their remaining games if they want to qualify for the top six.

Kerala Blasters FC

The Blasters became the fifth team to qualify for the knockout this season. It will be their third consecutive playoffs appearance as Ivan Vukomanovic has helped them qualify for three playoffs in as many seasons. They come into this game following a humiliating 2-4 defeat to East Bengal at home and will be keen to bounce back stronger.

Injury and Team News

Parthib Gogoi (NEUFC), Jeakson Singh (KBFC), and Naocha Singh (KBFC) will remain suspended for this game.

Head-to-head

Total Matches played – 19

NorthEast United Wins – 4

Kerala Blasters Wins – 8

Draws – 7

Predicted Line-ups

NorthEast United FC

Gurmeet Singh (GK), Dinesh Singh, Asheer Akhtar, Michel Zobaco, Samte, Ali Bemammmer, Macarton Louis, Hamza Regragui, Redeem Tlang, Tomi Juric, Jithin MS

Kerala Blasters FC

Karanjit Singh (GK), Sandeep Singh, Hormipam Ruivah, Pritam Kotal, Milos Drincic, Rahul KP, Vibin Mohanan, Danish Farooq, Daisuke Sakai, Fedor Cernych, Dimitrios Diamantakos 

Players to Watch

Tomi Juric (NorthEast United FC)

The Highlanders’ top scorer is expected to make a return to the pitch after being out of action for more than a month due to an injury. Juric has returned to training and looks fresh. The former Australian International is raring to go and will add a lot of quality to NorthEast United’s frontline in the remainder of the season.

Dimitrios Diamantakos ( Kerala Blasters FC)

Diamantakos has been in fine form for the Blasters this season. He is not just their top scorer but is also leading the charts for the most goals scored in the league so far this season (13). Expect him to play a crucial role for his side in the game against NorthEast United.

Did You Know?

• NorthEast United haven’t defeated Kerala Blasters since 2021.
• Kerala Blasters won 3-0 during their last visit to Guwahati.
• Kerala Blasters’ Dimitrios Diamantakos is the top goal-scorer in the ISL this season with 13 goals.

Telecast

The NorthEast United FC vs Kerala Blasters FC game kicks off at 7:30 PM IST, at Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on April 6, 2024. Live telecast of the fixture will be available on Sports18 Network (Sports18 1/VH1 Channel). Live streaming of the game will be available on the JioCinema app. Viewers from abroad can use OneFootball to stream the game.

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