Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC vs Malappuram FC Preview - Team news, lineups | Super League Kerala 2026
All four meetings between Thiruvananthapuram and Malappuram ended in a draw.
The stage is set at the Chandrashekaran Nair Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram, as the hosts Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC face Malappuram FC on the 11th of October for the final matchday of the Round 3 fixtures of Super League Kerala 2026.
The hosts and the visitors, currently sitting in the fourth and fifth positions, respectively, have not had a start to the season in a way that they would have expected to have. As both sides go head-to-head against each other, intensity fuelled by desperation is expected to put the fans on the edge of their seats.
The fixture between Thiruvananthapuram and Malappuram FC is the only fixture in Super League Kerala history that has not produced any decisive results and has always ended in a draw. However, under the new Super League Kerala rule, a game can no longer end in a draw, and tonight a decisive result is bound to happen.
As the Kombans vs Malappuram fixture approaches, here is a look at the stakes for the game.
The Stakes
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Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC
The Kombans, after starting the season with a loss against Calicut FC in their opening fixture, made a perfect comeback in their previous game, where they held Kannur Warriors FC to a draw at home and went on to defeat them in the penalty shootout. With that win, the Kombans have secured two points in the bag and climbed a few positions from the bottom of the table.
The win against the Warriors would surely have Kombans with the much-needed confidence before facing Malappuram, and they would be eyeing back-to-back home wins, which could take them even higher in the table.
Malappuram FC
Malappuram FC, one of the strongest sides on paper, have not had a positive result till now in the Super League Kerala 2026. Despite being one of the most active sides in the transfer window, making some decent signings, the team has struggled to translate this squad strength into a positive result. With just a point accumulated from a penalty loss, Malappuram FC are currently in the 5th position of the league table.
If Malappuram fail to get a positive result from the upcoming match, then their road to qualification will become a bit harder. A win tonight would take them to the fourth position, while a loss would further widen the deficit between them and the top four.
Team News
As of now, both Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC and Malappuram FC have a fit squad for their upcoming match, and there are no major injury concerns or suspensions.
Predicted Lineup
Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC (4-3-3)
Satyajit (GK); Shane, Jestin, Shinu, Abhiram; K. Emous, Arjun, P. Mota; M. Nisham, P. Santos, Shijin
Malappuram FC (4-1-2-3)
Muhammed Arbaz (GK); Muhammed Salim, Muhammed Bilal, Abdul Hakku Nediyodath, Bibin Anwar; Grace Adieu Youmou; Bongani Zungu, Prabanj Prasad; Sajeesh E, D. Lahlhimpuia, Abdelhay Elforsy
Player to watch out for
Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC – Muhammed Nisham
The Thiruvananthapuram U23 striker, Muhammed Nisham, will be a key player to keep an eye on in the Kombans match against Malappuram FC. The 22-year-old joined the Kombans side ahead of the Super League Kerala 2026 season from the Kerala Blasters U21 side, and in just two appearances, he has made an impact at his club.
In their recent game against Kannur Warriors FC, while the Kombans were struggling to finish, Nisham, who was the fix in the box, trapped a long ball from the midfield and glided it past the keeper to the top corner, to provide the hosts with the much-needed advantage against the defending champions. Throughout the game, Nisham was good at creating chances and pressing high and is expected to play a pivotal role against Malappuram.
Malappuram FC – Daniel Lalhlimpuia
The 29-year-old striker Daniel Lalhlimpuia, after featuring for multiple ISL sides like Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin FC, Odisha FC, Punjab FC, Mumbai City FC, Jamshedpur FC and FC Goa, joined Malappuram FC ahead of the Super League Kerala 2026 season. With vast experience playing in the top tier, Daniel brings a reliable presence and a calm, veteran voice on the pitch for Malappuram.
In Malappuram FC’s last game against Calicut FC, it was Daniel who brought the scores to parity at the EMS Corporation Stadium and took the game to penalties after sliding in a cross from the left flank and helping the ball on its way to the goal. With Malappuram FC struggling in the fifth position, Daniel can make use of his experience to preform under pressure and potentially help his side get the first victory.
When and where to watch the Super League Kerala 2026 match between Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC and Malappuram FC?
The Super League Kerala 2026 match between Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC and Malappuram FC will take place on 11th October 2026 at the Chandrashekaran Nair Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram.
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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