Malappuram FC vs Thiruvananthapuram Kombans Preview, team news, lineups & prediction | Super League Kerala 2025

Malappuram FC are unbeaten in the Super League Kerala 2025

One of the only unbeaten teams of the Super League Kerala Season 2, Malappuram FC, is all set to lock horns against the side that has struggled to make their mark in the tournament so far, Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC, on the 28th of October for the first matchday of the fifth round fixtures of the Super League Kerala 2025 at the Payyanad Stadium, Manjeri.

Malappuram would be looking forward to keeping their momentum going after a thrilling 3-3 comeback against the defending champions Calicut FC, and Forca Kochi would be looking forward to brushing away the disappointment of losing two matches and coming back on winning ways to prevent an early elimination from the Super League Kerala.

The Stakes

Malappuram FC

Malappuram FC are currently resting in the third position of the group table with five points in three matches. With one win and two draws, they just have a two-point deficit in comparison to the table toppers, Kannur Warriors. However, the hosts, in front of the jam-packed Payyanad Stadium, must somehow manage to find wins and leave the pitch with a positive result to prevent any kind of mid-table struggles, which they faced in the first season of the Super League Kerala.

After trailing 3-1 against Calicut FC in their third round fixtures till the 84th minute, despite all odds, the hosts were able to turn the tables around and trap the defending champions in a deadlock. This result would have surely provided both the fans and the team a massive psychological boost that they can come back even if conditions are unfavourable. If Malappuram can enter the pitch with the same hunger and mentality, they can prevail over the Kombans and reach the top of the table.

Thiruvananthapuram Kombans

For Thiruvananthapuram, this match is all about coming back to the tournament. With two losses and one draw in their name, Thiruvananthapuram are currently in the fifth position out of six teams in the Super League Kerala group table. Following the loss against Thrissur Magic FC at home, winning the match against Malappuram is not a choice for the visitors, it is their only option to prevent moving towards elimination in the early stages of the tournament.

In their matches against Kannur and Thrissur, despite their continued attacking initiatives, they were unable to finish things off in the final third. If head coach James McAloon can regroup his team and inject confidence into his side after a relatively long break, the Kombans can create something special and silence the vocal Manjeri crowd, which would take them to the top half of the table.

Team News

The wet outfield of the Payyanad Stadium during the Malabar derby of the Super League Kerala saw a few Malappuram FC players pull their hamstrings on multiple occasions. However, they are believed to be temporary. Apart from this, there are no major injury concerns for both Malappuram FC and Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC.

Players to Watch Out For

Malappuram FC – Aitor Aldalur

Aitor Aldalur is essentially the reliable anchor in the Malappuram FC defence. With over 17 years of experience in professional football for different Spanish clubs, the captain has reinforced the sloppy Malappuram FC defence, which was a big problem for the Beacons in the first season. With excellent presence of mind and game awareness, Aitor has a knack of dispossesing the opponents with his physical dominance, making him a potent threat for the opponents.

In their match against Calicut FC, just as the first half was about to end with his side trailing, Aitor provided a crucial breakthrough, capitalising on a corner delivered to the near post. The captain, with his awareness, made a clever run to seamlessly flick the ball into the net, scoring a vital equaliser that pulled Malappuram back to level terms at 1-1 and ignited the team’s dramatic late comeback.

Thiruvananthapuram Kombans – Patrick Mota

Komban’s Brazilian captain, Patrick Mota, is the irreplaceable soul of the team and essentially their best player. The versatile midfielder operates in a central role for his side, fulfilling defensive midfield responsibilities, and he is the initial connection between the defence and the attackers in the final third.

Well known in the Thiruvananthapuram footballing sphere for his excellent distribution abilities and his dominance of set-pieces, having created a plethora of key chances from dead-ball opportunities in the previous matches against Thrissur, Kochi and Kannur. His touch will be central to controlling the tempo of the home game and breaking the disciplined defence of Malappuram.

Predicted Lineup

Malappuram FC Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)

Azhar (GK); Nithin Madhu, Abdul Hakku, Aitor Aldalur, Ajith Kumar; Facundo Ballardo, Badr Boularhroud, Akbar Sidhique; Gani Nigam, John Kennedy, Abhijith PA

Thiruvananthapuram Kombans Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)

Aaryan Anjaneya (GK); Abdul Badish, Salam Ranjan Singh, Filipe Alves, Shanid; Rohen, Mohammed Shafi, Patrick Mota; Mohammed Ashar, Paulo Victor, Ronald

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

The Super League Kerala Season 2 match between Malappuram FC and Thiruvananthapuram Kombans 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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