NorthEast United FC host Kerala Blasters FC in Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Saturday. The Highlanders are out of contention for a playoff spot, largely owing to the fact that they have picked up just a point from their last five fixtures and come off the back of three consecutive defeats. With pride to play for, they would want to put on a good show in front of their home fans. Two-time finalists Kerala, on the contrary, are still in contention for a playoff spot, albeit meaning literally having to win their remaining fixtures. The Blasters have picked up seven points from their last three matches and will look to continue with the resurgence brought into the team by David James.

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 (15^th 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