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

Both Malapuram and Kannur have won their first round fixtures

Super League Kerala returns back at the Payyanad Stadium, Manjeri, to witness the Malappuram FC vs Kannur Warriors FC encounter on the 12th of October, Sunday, where fans can expect a massive clash between the counterparts, aiming for an early breakthrough in the tournament.

Both teams have started the season with a win, with Malappuram defeating Thrissur Magic FC with a narrow margin of one goal and Kannur turning the tables and scripting a historic victory against the Kombans at their home ground with a scoreline of 3-2.

Whenever Malappuram locked horns against the Warriors, it was always raining goals, and this fixture has seen 10 goals in just two head-to-head appearances, including a 4-3 victory for Kannur at their home. With Kannur aiming for their third consecutive win against Malappuram and the host seeking revenge, fireworks can be expected in the Malappuram FC vs Kannur Warriors FC, Super League Kerala, Season 2 encounter.

The Stakes

Malappuram FC

For the hosts, the objective will be twofold. First, to protect their fortress for the second consecutive time after an edging victory against Thrissur Magic FC. Secondly, they will be seeking revenge against the visitors for the complete two-nil whitewash they had in the previous edition of the Super League Kerala. A win for Malappuram would mean that they will be breaking the curse of drought against Kannur FC and enjoying the sole lead in the points table.

A win would also justify the investments that the team has made in their attack, which they were unable to prove in the first match. If Roy Krishna could somehow find his scoring boots along with building chemistry with his teammates, Malappuram could become a dominant force for Kannur in the Payyanad Stadium.

Kannur Warriors FC

The stakes for the visitors will be centred on maintaining their perfect winning streak against Malappuram FC in the Super League Kerala. Both times these two teams met each other in the league, Kannur were able to be on the winning side with scores of 4-3 and 1-2 at home and away from home, respectively. A win for Kannur would cement their position at the top of the table and provide them with a psychological dominance and an early positive momentum.

Following a thrilling 3-2 victory against the Kombans at Thiruvananthapuram, the fans would be hoping to witness a thrilling encounter from the side of the Warriors. If Kannur manages to pull over this game, it will provide the fans with a sense of restored ambition of winning the championship, which they just fell short of in the first season of the Super League Kerala.

Team News

Fasalu Rahman, the Malappuram FC forward, was substituted just ahead of the break in the match against Thrissur Magic FC on the 3rd of October, likely because of a hamstring injury he sustained during the match. However, the player is expected to have recovered from the short-term injury and return to the starting eleven.

Apart from this, there are no publicly announced injury concerns from both Malappuram FC and Kannur Warriors.

Players to Watch Out for

Malappuram FC – John Kennedy

John Kennedy, the versatile forward of Malappuram FC, has been a familiar name in the Super League Kerala for his significant contributions in his championship-winning season with Calicut FC. The forward has now joined the forces of Malappuram FC, where his ability to play centrally as well as from the wings makes him a constant menace for the defenders.

In the first-round fixture against Thrissur Magic FC, Kennedy’s cameo in the second half proved the decisive factor as he brought energy to Malappuram’s attack from his very first touches, dribbling past defenders and creating scoring situations. His intelligent runs created confusion in the Thrissur backline and forced errors, which ultimately paved the way for Malappuram’s winning goal. Even after scoring the goal, Kennedy continued to press aggressively, winning duels and maintaining offensive momentum, alongside retreating back to the defence, which helped his team control the game’s final stages and ultimately clinch the win.

Kannur Warriors FC – Ubaid Chono Kadavath

Ubaid CK, the seasoned Kerala goalkeeper with an I-League winner’s medal for Gokulam Kerala FC and a Best Goalkeeper award in his trophy cabinet, signed with his district club, Kannur Warriors, ahead of the Super League Kerala, Season 2, as their last man of defence.

In the Warriors’ crucial opening-round 3-2 victory over Thiruvananthapuram Kombans, Ubaid’s contributions were game-defining. Though the Thiruvananthapuram attack spearheaded by Ronald continuously pressed and piled pressure upon the Warriors, from the start, Ubaid kept composure and made some brilliant reflex saves. Though Kannur’s attackers secured the goals, Ubaid’s crucial interventions under pressure were pivotal for the Warriors, not conceding a platter of goals.

His commanding performance between the sticks ensured the Warriors their historic away victory against the Kombans. If Ubaid is able to continue this performance, he could single-handedly paralyse the star-studded offensive lineup of the hosts, including the likes of Roy Krishna and John Kennedy.

Predicted Lineups

Malappuram FC Predicted Lineups (4-3-3)

Mohammed Azhar (GK); Jithin Prakash, Abdul Hakku, Aitor Aladur, Nithin Madhu; Abhijith, Badr Boulahroud, Akhil Praveen; Fasalu Rahman, John Kennedy, Roy Krishna

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

Ubaid CK (GK); Manoj Kannan, Delmonte, Vikas Saini, Sachin Sunil; Gokul, Ernesten Lavsamba, Ebindas; Abdou Karim, Shijin T, Asier Gomes

Where to watch the Malappuram FC vs Kannur Warriors FC clash in the Super League Kerala?

The Super League Kerala Season 2 match between Malappuram FC and Kannur Warriors FC will be live broadcast on Sony Sports Network and the Sports.com website. The fans can watch the match from 7:30 pm onwards all across India.

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