HEAD TO HEAD
NorthEast United FC 2–4 Kerala Blasters FC (1 draw)
KEY PLAYERS
Halicharan Narzary (Northeast United FC)
The pacey winger has been a livewire in attack for his team. He has used his speed and trickery to good effect to get the better of the opposition defence time and again. Narzary is capable of creating openings in abundance for NorthEast and has an eye for picking out incisive passes, while also surging forward and getting shots away. He has three assists to his name and will be looking to make his presence felt against Kerala.
Courage Pekuson (Kerala Blasters FC)
The Ghanaian has been the powerhouse of Kerala’s midfield. He is a physical specimen and possesses an abundance pace to keep opposition defences troubled. A neat passer of the ball, Pekuson loves getting into the opposition box and testing the goalkeeper. The 23-year-old has a goal as well as five assists to his name and will be looking to make a major impact when his team visit Guwahati.
POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUPS
NorthEast United FC
Avram Grant will probably field a 4-2-3-1 formation in search of balance between attack and defence.
Goalkeeper: TP Rehenesh
Defenders: Nirmal Chettri, Jose Goncalves, Sambinha, Reagan Singh
Midfielders: John Mosquera, Rowllin Borges, Seiminlen Doungel, Maic Sema, Halicharan Narzary
Forward: Danilo Lopes
Kerala Blasters FC
David James is likely to use his tried and tested 4-4-2 formation as the Blasters set their sights on a winning run to propel them into the playoffs.
Goalkeeper: Subhasish Roy
Defenders: Lalruatthara, Wes Brown, Nemanja Lakic-Pesic, Rino Anto
Midfielders: Courage Pekuson, Dimitar Berbatov, Milan Singh, Jackichand Singh, CK Vineeth
Forwards: Gudjon Baldvinsson
KEY STAT
– Kerala have drawn the most number of matches so far (6) while NorthEast have lost the most (10)
PREVIOUS ENCOUNTER
Kerala Blasters FC 1–0 NorthEast United FC (15th December 2017 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi)
FORM GUIDE: (Last five matches)
NorthEast United FC: L L L D L
Kerala Blasters FC: D W W L L