NorthEast United FC vs Kerala Blasters Preview, predicted lineup, injury news, H2H, telecast details | ISL 2024-25

The Highlanders will look to make a comeback win.

NorthEast United FC are returning to their home ground, Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati and are set to face Kerala Blasters FC in an Indian Super League, (ISL) 2024-25 clash on the 29th of September.

The game is crucial for both teams, as the Highlanders need to bounce back from an upset, while the Kerala Blasters aim to carry forward the momentum from their previous win.

In this context, let’s take a look at how things are shaping up ahead of the game.

The Stakes

NorthEast United FC

The club under the guidance of Spanish coach Juan Pedro Benali started the season with a positive approach. The Highlanders had won their first game against Mohammedan SC, by a narrow margin of 0-1. They performed exceptionally well against Mohun Bagan Super Giant, but a controversial and late goal spoiled the night.

For the last three seasons, the club failed to reach the playoffs. After a long-term vision and going through a developmental process, the club has reached a stable condition to a certain level. The important part of the club is converting their goal-scoring opportunities.

They have improved by signing some strikers such as Alaeddine Ajaraie and Guillermo Fernández. Also, the club has Indian forward players, Jithin MS, and Parthib Gogoi who can score and create opportunities as well. However, the defensive part of the Highlanders are still a matter of question for the team.

Kerala Blasters FC

On the other hand, Kerala Blasters will play their first away match of this season in Guwahati. The club had lost the first game against the Punjab FC. However, they won the last game by netting a goal in the dying minutes of the match against East Bengal. The Yellow Army looks promising and they will be one of the main contenders for the playoffs.

Mikael Stahre, started his new chapter with the Yellow Army this year. He is known for his tactics and also has good expertise in winning the title, which was missing from the Blasters cabinet.

Injury & Team News

As per reports, Adrian Luna of Kerala Blasters has traveled with the team and also trained, but it remains uncertain whether he will participate in the match. The NorthEast United FC camp were affected by flu before the Mohun Bagan match, but no injury reports have been confirmed.

Head-to-head

Total Matches played – 20

NorthEast United Wins – 5

Kerala Blasters Wins – 8

Draws – 7

Predicted Line-ups

NorthEast United FC (4-2-3-1)

Gurmeet (GK); Dinesh, Asheer, Zobaco, Tondonba; Bemammer, Mayakkannan; Parthib, Guillermo Jithin; Ajaraie

Kerala Blasters FC (4-3-3)

Sachin Suresh (GK); Sandeep Singh, Pritam Kotal, Milos Drincic, Aibanbha Dohling; Vibin Mohanan, Alexandre Coeff Rahul KP; Noah Sadoui, Mohammed Aimen; Jesus Jimenez

Players to Watch

Alaeddine Ajaraie (NorthEast United FC)

The Moroccan has become the magic lamp for Juan Pedro Benali’s side. From the Durand Cup semi-final against Shillong Lajong FC to the second ISL match against the Mariners, he has scored four goals in four consecutive matches.

Alaeddine, with his runs, dribbles, and perfect passes into the final third, has also created chances for his teammates. He is set to create chaos in the opposition’s defensive box.

Noah Sadaoui (Kerala Blasters FC)

The new signing for Kerala Blasters has already started to show his colors on the pitch. With a goal against East Bengal FC in his second match, he has now scored 21 goals in 45 ISL appearances.

The Moroccan forward possesses speed, good dribbling skills, and the ability to make key passes to his teammates. If the Highlanders’ defense gives him space and his shots connect, the goalkeeper will have little chance to make a save.

Did You Know?

• Both clubs debuted in this stadium in the nation’s first-tier professional football competition.
• Both teams have suffered defeats and secured wins in their previous two games, with goals scored after the 85th minute.
• In their last clash, Juan Pedro Benali broke Kerala Blasters’ five-match unbeaten streak, which had started on November 25, 2021. During this period, Kerala won three games and drew two.

Telecast

The NorthEast United FC vs Kerala Blasters FC clash will take place at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati on Sunday (29 September). It will kick off at 7:30 PM IST.

Viewers can watch the match live for free on Jio Cinema (English, Hindi, Bengali and Malayalam) and telecast live on Sports 18 — 3 (English, Hindi, Bengali and Malayalam), Asianet Plus (Malayalam).

International viewers can also watch the game on the OneFootball app.

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