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

The Kombans will host the Warriors on the 5th of October

It is a battle between the two extremes of Kerala in the final matchday of the round one fixtures of the Super League Kerala, Season 2. Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC will lock horns against Kannur Warriors FC at the Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium on Sunday, October 5th.

Both the Kombans and Warriors will be keen on starting the second season of Super League Kerala with a win and brushing off the disappointment of losing the semi-finals in the inaugural season. The capital city side, with its ‘Brazilian touch’ and a revamped squad, will look to transform its first season’s semi-final run into a title charge.

Standing in their way are the Kannur Warriors, who finished just above them in the league table, will be aiming to silence the home crowd and clinch their first Super League Kerala victory against the hosts.

The Stakes

Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC

For the Kombans, the stakes for the match are nothing less than keeping their unbeaten record intact against the Warriors. Their primary aim will be to justify the pre-season investments and signings in front of their fans and convert their enthusiastic energy into a stellar performance that will fetch them the three vital points.

A win here is not only crucial for a direct leap in the league standings but also to gain momentum as a prime playoff contender. Anything less than a victory will instantly make supporters wonder if the squad can translate their semi-final performance into a championship victory in this campaign.

Kannur Warriors FC

For the Warriors, this is a test of their title ambitions against a fellow semi-finalist on their ground, who could potentially be their direct playoff contender later in the tournament. Having edged the Kombans in the Season One group table, their main objective will be to establish instant dominance in this battle of fine margins.

Coach Manuel Sánchez Murias’s tactics against the Kombans will be the decisive element that may seal the fate of the visitors. A win away from home, at Thiruvananthapuram, would reiterate that the Warriors are here to fight as the title contenders, able to win by any means, and even by silencing one of the league’s most vocal home support.

Also Read: Super League Kerala 2025: Updated Points Table, most goals, and most assists after Match 2, Malappuram FC vs Thrissur Magic

Team News

As of now, both teams are ready to unleash their full squad for the match as there are no major injury concerns. Both sides have a full roster of players who will be ready to deploy their tactical setup.

The Kombans, under new English Head Coach James McAloon, have retained their key players like Patrick Mota and forward Pemaza, who were pivotal in their semi-final run last year. Key new foreign additions include Brazilian centre-back Filipe Alves and forward Paulo Victor. The hosts have also retained a good number of domestic players, which will positively help the side in bringing coordination during the game.

The visitors, on the other hand, with the only retained coach from the first season, Manuel Sánchez Murias, have also created a compact squad which will be spearheaded by the Spanish forwards Adrián Sardinero and Asier Gomes. They have also reinforced their defence by bringing Nicolás Delmonte on board from Argentina, alongside a balance of Indian players like Ajmal PA, Vikas Saini, Ebindas and more.

Players to Watch

Thiruvananthapuram Kombans – Patrick Mota

Brazilian captain Patrick Mota is the irreplaceable soul of the Kombans and essentially their best player. The versatile midfielder operates in a central role for his side, fulfilling defensive midfield responsibilities, but much more than that, being the initial connection between defence and the flamboyant forwards.

Mota is 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 during the last campaign. His touch will be central to controlling the tempo of the home game and breaking the Warriors’ disciplined defence.

Kannur Warriors – Adrian Sardinero

The star of the Warriors’ attack and the team’s most potent threat is their Spanish forward and captain, Adrián Sardinero, who is an extremely experienced second striker with vast experience playing for some notable European Clubs like Getafe, OFI Crete, Apollon Limassol and A League side Perth Glory.

Sardinero’s greatest strength is his clinical finishing and his off-the-ball movements, which enable him to find the tiniest openings in the opposition defence. He is most effective in fast-break opportunities, making him the ideal tried and tested option for Coach Murias’s counter-attack system.

Sardinero’s performance can prove to be the difference maker between the Kombans and the Warriors if he manages to coordinate his speed and technical ability with his teammates effectively.

Predicted Lineups

Predicted Lineup – Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC (4-2-3-1)

Pawan Kumar (GK); Abdul Badish, Lury, Akhil J Chandran, Randinmawia; Patrick Mota, Ganesan; Ragav Gupta, Davi Kuhn, Ronald Makalysten; Shihad

Predicted Lineup – Kannur Warriors FC (4-2-3-1)

Ajmal P.A. (GK); Aswinkumar, Vikas Saini, Alvaro Alvarez, Munmun Timothy Lugun; Adil Khan, Ernesten Lavsamba; Asier Gomes, Arjun MM, Adrian Sardinero; Shijin Thadayouse

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

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

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