Super League Kerala 2025: Calicut FC vs Malappuram FC Preview, team news, lineups & prediction

The reverse fixture between Calicut FC and Malappuram FC ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw

It’s that time of the year when the table toppers, Calicut FC, lock horns against the strong Malappuram FC for the northern derby clash of the Super League Kerala. The Northern derby match will take place on the 24th of November at the EMS Corporation Stadium, and will mark the end of the Round 8 fixtures of the Super League Kerala.

Last time either side faced each other, the match ended in a six-goal thriller with both sides settling to a 3-3 stalemate at the rainy Payyanad Stadium. Since then, things have changed, and the then-struggling Calicut FC are currently leading the group table, and Malappuram FC, struggling to find wins, are in the 4th position. With pride and qualifications to the playoffs at stake, the Northern Derby match between Calicut FC and Malappuram FC will be an enthralling one.

The Stakes

Calicut FC

Calicut FC, resting comfortably at the top of the table, has their foot in the semi-final spot. With four wins, two draws, and a loss, they have bagged 14 points in their bag and have almost secured their berth for the knockout matches. For this reason, the defending champions would be fine even with a draw in the Northern Derby clash of the Super League.

However, Calicut, having defeated the second-placed Thrissur Kerala FC in their recent match, would be looking to grab all points and avoid any potential last-minute upsets, which could overthrow them from the top four. Moreover, they would also be looking forward to brushing away the disappointment of settling for a deadlock in their reverse fixtures, despite leading by two goals.

Malappuram FC

Malappuram FC, once the unbeaten and the strong side of Super League Kerala, have slowly lost their flair and are struggling to find a win for a long time now. With just two wins in their seven matches, they are currently in the fourth position with 10 points, the same as their rivals Kannur Warriors.

Though the fourth position of Malappuram FC progresses them to the knockouts, the unpredictability of Super League Kerala could potentially eliminate them from the tournament.

Hence, for Malappuram, all their remaining three matches are essentially do-or-die clashes, and if they drop points in their upcoming matches, and Kannur manage to defeat their opponents, Malappuram would have to step aside from the top four. Therefore, nothing less than a win could be a positive result for the Red and Blue.

Team News

Both teams are expected to have their full roster for the crucial Northern Derby clash in the Super League Kerala. However, Malappuram FC will miss their manager Miguel Corral on the sidelines, as the manager mutually parted ways with the club earlier this week.

Player to watch out for

Calicut FC – Federico Boasso

The Argentine midfielder of Calicut FC, Federico Boasso Fleury, is essentially the backbone of the defending champions. Though an attacking midfielder on paper, the versatile 30-year-old covers the central midfield and the left midfield areas to add thorns to the Calicut FC attacks. Boasso’s role has been crucial for the Beacons in the Super League Kerala 2025, so far. Starting in almost all matches, Boasso’s pinpoint passing and distribution add up to the work of the opponent’s backline.

In their previous top-table clash, Boasso displayed excellent fitness throughout the match against Thrissur Magic FC. The midfielder stood as a barrier for the Thrissur players to penetrate the Calicut FC box. Boasso won duels, made interceptions and kept the opponents silent for the vast majority of the game. In the 86th minute of the game, the Argentine was quick enough to punish the defensive flaws of the home side as he excellently headed in the ball to score the solitary goal of the match, providing Calicut FC with the win.

Malappuram FC – Abdul Hakku

The former Kerala Blasters FC defender, Abdul Hakkku, joined the forces of Malappuram FC ahead of the Super League Kerala 2025 and is creating a notable impact both for the club and in the league.

The experienced defender has been rock solid in the back, making some good interceptions and tackles, to prevent any attempts of the opponents to shake the Malappuram goal. Apart from his contributions in the defence, Hakku also displays an uncanny ability to rise over the opponents during set-pieces and create chances for his team.

In their Super League Kerala match against Forca Kochi FC, Hakku came in as a substitute and scored the fourth goal for his side in one of his very first involvements in the game. In their most recent match against Kannur Warriors FC, Abdul Hakku, despite the heavy downpour, took a powerful header at goal in the 43rd minute, to bring the score back to all square just before the break.

This set-piece goal helped Malappuram FC to fetch a valuable point to their tally, which keeps them at the fourth position, not allowing Kannur Warriors FC to overtake them. In this tightly contested Northern Derby clash, if Hakku can display his magic during set pieces, he could potentially help Malappuram seal their spot in the top four.

Predicted Lineups

Calicut FC Predicted Lineups (4-3-3)

Hajmal (GK); Sachu, Richard Osei, Alexis Sosa, Riyas; Asif, Nahuel Pereyra, Federico Boasso; Arjun, Ajsal, Roshan

Malappuram FC Predicted Lineups (4-3-3)

Mohammed Azhar (GK); Abdul Hakku, Aitor, Sanju, Tony; Akhil, Badr, Rishad; Forsy, John Kennedy, Abhijith

When and where to watch Thrissur Magic FC vs Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC in Super League Kerala?

The Super League Kerala 2025 match between Thrissur Magic FC and Thiruvananthapuram Kombans will be played on November 21, 2025, and will be live broadcast on Sony Sports Network and the sports.com website. Fans can watch the Super League Kerala match from 7:30 pm onwards all across India.

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