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

Both Kannur and Malappuram faced their first loss of the Super League Kerala in Round 6.

The Jawahar Municipal Stadium is geared to host the mid-table clash of the Super League Kerala as Kannur Warriors lock horns against Malappuram FC. This will be the final matchday of Round 7, with the kick-off scheduled for the 19th of November at 7:30 pm.

Kannur Warriors and Malappuram FC have had a commendable run so far in the tournament, and were the only two unbeaten teams before their Round 6 matches. Although they remained unbeaten for most of the tournament, a relatively high number of draws saw the team remain in mid-table.

Both teams, currently with 9 points, are in 4th and 5th place, with Malappuram ahead of Kannur by a superior +3 goal difference.

With both teams eying a win in the dying matches of the league to prevent the last-minute mid-table struggle, the do-or-die clash of the Super League Kerala, between Kannur and Malappuram, will be a fiercely contested one to watch.

The Stakes

Kannur Warriors FC

Kannur Warriors, despite a bright start to the Super League Kerala, are currently struggling. The Warriors have won only one out of their last five matches and are currently experiencing the same mid-table struggle that they faced last season.

With three draws, two wins, and a loss, they have been dropped down to fifth place with nine points, and are in a position that leads to elimination from the tournament.

The Warriors would be disappointed that they have not managed to register even a single win so far at their home in the Super League Kerala.

In their first match at the Jawahar Municipal Stadium, they had to settle for a last-minute draw against Thrissur Magic FC, and in their latest Round 6 fixture, they faced a shocking 3-1 loss against the Kombans, which broke their unbeaten record.

Hence, for Kannur, the stakes are straightforward and clear. They must somehow manage to fetch all their points against Malappuram FC to squeeze into the top four and provide their fans with their first-ever home victory. A loss on the other side would take them to the verge of elimination, and hence, for the Warriors, the match will be a do-or-die.

Malappuram FC

Malappuram FC shares almost the same story as Kannur Warriors FC. After a stellar start to the season, they have been struggling in their last few matches, and like the Warriors, they have managed to have the final laugh in only one out of their previous five encounters.

With nine points in hand, Malappuram FC are in par with Kannur in terms of points. However, the superior goal difference has placed Malappuram in the fourth position, which also happens to be the last slot that secures playoff qualification.

Last year, Malappuram faced a similar story as they started their season with a bang and then struggled to finish fifth after the group stage, ultimately leading to their elimination. Therefore, Malappuram would also be hungry to clinch all three points, which would widen the gap between them and Kannur, leading to a rather comfortable position in the table with 12 points.

Team News

Kannur Warriors will miss the services of the star forward Adrian Sardinero for the match. The player was given a red card and sent off in their previous clash against Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC, following a verbal argument with the referee.

As far as Malappuram FC is concerned, Miguel Corral is fortunate not to have any major injury concerns for the match against Kannur Warriors FC in their crucial Super League Kerala clash.

Player to Watch Out For

Kannur Warriors FC – Asier Gomes

Asier Gomes, in the absence of Kannur’s key player, Adrian Sardinero, would be the player to watch out for in their match against Malappuram FC. Gomes, with over a year of experience in India, donning the Super League Kerala, has adapted to the conditions and has created a significant impact for the team.

The midfielder’s ability to act as a link between the defence and the attack makes him a potent threat under head coach Manuel Sanchez’s tried and tested setup. He was one of the three players retained by the Warriors for their second Super League Kerala season.

This season, Asier has been exceptional with the ball, winning duels, making interceptions, and providing some key deliveries into the final third, creating chances for his team. The midfielder links up exceptionally well with his Spanish counterpart Sardinero and has managed to score two goals in the league so far.

However, in this match, Asier will have an uphill task, as in the absence of Sardinero, he would have to take the leadership role and find the back of the net for his team to fetch valuable three points.

Malappuram FC – Ishan Pandita

The former Kerala Blasters FC forward, Ishan Pandita, is Malappuram FC’s latest recruit and could arguably be one of the best midseason transfers in the Super League Kerala 2025. Pandita, a product of the Spanish football academies, has been known in Indian football as the Super-Sub.

The player has proven his uncanny ability to find the back of the net in the crucial minutes of the match as a substitute and has rewritten the script of the matches multiple times.

Following a long-term injury, the player was unable to register many minutes for Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League and was released by the club at the end of the 2024/25 season. Malappuram FC then signed him in November for their remaining four matches and the potential playoff matches.

The Super League Kerala would be a perfect opportunity for the 27-year-old to get some minutes on the pitch and hopefully regain his reputation as a star striker. Hence, Pandita would be looking to make the best use of his opportunity, making him a vulnerable player for the opponents.

Predicted Lineups

Kannur Warriors FC Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)

Ubaid CK (GK); Sachin, Vikas Saini, Nicolas Delmonte, Manoj; Nidhal, Asier Gomes, Ebindas; Shijin T, Abdou Karim, Asif.

Malappuram FC Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)

Mohammed Azhar (GK); Nithin Madhu, Sanju, Aitor, Jithin; Ishan Pandita, Badr, Irshad; Abhijith, John Kennedy, Roy Krishna.

When and where to watch Kannur Warriors FC vs Malappuram FC in Super League Kerala?

The Super League Kerala 2025 match between Kannur Warriors FC and Malappuram FC will be played on the 19th of November, 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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