Malappuram FC vs Thrissur Magic FC Preview - Team news, lineups | Super League Kerala 2026
The Payyanad Stadium, Manjeri, is geared up to host its first game of the Super League Kerala 2026 as the two bottom-placed Malappuram FC are set to face Thrissur Magic FC on the 17th October, 2026 as part of the second game of Round 4 fixtures of the Super League Kerala.
Both Malappuram and Thrissur Magic FC have had a hard start to the Super League Kerala 2026, losing all their matches so far. Malappuram FC, with two penalty losses, are in fifth position with two points are in the fifth position while Thrissur Magic FC, with a penalty loss, are at the bottom of the Super League Kerala 2026 table with just one point in hand.
As we get closer to the Malappuram FC vs Thrissur Magic FC match, both teams, desperate for a positive result, will battle it out on the field to secure their first victory. Here is a look at the stakes involved for both Malappuram FC and Thrissur Magic FC for their encounter.
The Stakes
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Malappuram FC
Photos : Baranidharan M / S3 Media / Super League Kerala
Malappuram FC, in their game against Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC, were so close to sealing their first victory of the season until the Kombans shocked the Malabar side with two injury-time goals to take the game to penalties and defeat them.
After a last-minute loss against Kochi and two back-to-back penalty losses, Malappuram’s tale this season is filled with ‘what-ifs’. Facing Thrissur Magic FC, who have had a relatively worse season, Malappuram will be looking forward to coming back to winning ways at their home and providing their fans with a moment of elation.
Thrissur Magic FC
Thrissur Magic FC have similar stakes as Malappuram FC. Currently in the last position of the group table, if they fail to find a win in this match, it will be an uphill task for them to secure qualification to the upcoming round. With the table top teams already with a seven points disparity with respect to the Magicians, a positive result is not just another option, it is the only option for the visiting side.
Team News
Both Thrissur Magic FC and Malappuram FC will have their full squad available for their Round 4 fixtures of the Super League Kerala 2026.
Predicted Lineup
Malappuram FC
Jaimy Joy (GK); Mohammed Salah, Salman Faris, Renan Araujo Rocha, Ajay Alex; Eliton Junior, Faris Ali, Nahuel Pereyra; Diljith, Rahul Raju, Harshal Rahman
Thrissur Magic FC
Satyajit Bordoloi (GK); Shane Stellus, Shinu R, Stephen Acquah, Abhiram K; Adil P, Kiatalua Tadeu Emous, Patrick Mota, Arjun V; Shijin T, Paulo Cezar
Players to watch out for
Malappuram FC – Amadou Soukona
The French-Malian striker Amadou Soukona will be the key player for Malappuram FC, as he will spearhead the Malappuram FC attack. The experienced forward, who previously showcased his goalscoring touch in Indian football with Rajasthan United as well as Ligue 1 side Toulouse FC, brings a blend of physical presence and clinical finishing to the pitch. Soukona’s presence wiil be crucial for Malappuram today as the team has struggled in scoring and the match against Thrissur is potentially their best opportunity to open their accounts.
Operating as the focal point of the front three, Soukona’s ability to hold up the ball, win aerial duels, and link up with the dynamic wingers makes him a constant threat to the opponent’s backline. Having established a track record as a sharp goalscorer across European and Indian circuits, his movement inside the box and composure in key moments will be vital for Malappuram FC as they look to unlock the Thrissur backline.
Thrissur Magic FC – Sergio Gil
The Thrissur Magic FC midfielder, Sergio Gil, will be the player to watch out for in their match against Malappuram FC. While most of the players in the Thrissur lineup have been struggling to make an impact this season, it was Sergio Gil who displayed a relatively better performance for the team.
With almost 12 years of experience in Spanish football, Sergio makes his first-ever appearance in Asian football for Thrissur Magic FC. If the midfielder can bring coordination in the team and make some good deliveries in the offensive third, especially during the later phase of the game, where Malappuram has struggled so far, Sergio could potentially be the difference-maker of the game.
When and where to watch the Super League Kerala 2026 match between Malappuram FC and Thrissur Magic FC?
The Super League Kerala 2026 match between Malappuram FC and Thrissur Magic FC will take place on 17th October 2026 at the Payyanad Stadium, Manjeri.
Fans all across India can watch the Super League Kerala 2026 matches digitally on Zee5, alongside linear coverage on Unite8 Sports. Fans from the UAE can enjoy the Super League Kerala action with Etisalat.
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