In what promises to be an enthralling encounter, NorthEast United FC will face off against Kerala Blasters FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Friday. Both sides boast two of the most passionate sets of supporters in the country and hence we can expect a feverish atmosphere when they take to the pitch. The Highlanders will be looking to get back into the play-off spots while the Blasters will want to end their winless run.

NorthEast United FC

The Highlanders have been in stellar form since the start of Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2018-19. With six matches played, Eelco Schattorie’s men have collected 11 points – nine of those coming on the road. The side have looked like a strong cohesive unit and are capable of breaking any team down with their intricate passing and clever off the ball movement. However, despite their obvious flair and quality, they can sometimes be caught out for failing to take their chances, which was evident in the loss against Mumbai City in their previous encounter.

Schattorie will certainly demand more ruthlessness from his frontmen when Kerala come calling. Captain Bartholomew Ogbeche and Federico Gallego will be the men responsible for supplying the goals upfront. Ogbeche has been in scintillating form this season, bagging six goals already and establishing himself as NorthEast United’s highest goal scorer in a single campaign. In defence, Mislav Komorski could make his way back in the squad alongside Mato Grgic.

Here’s a look at NorthEast United’s season in numbers:

Kerala Blasters FC

Kerala Blasters have suffered a relatively poor start to the new campaign. After impressing in their opening match against ATK, the Blasters have looked like a team devoid of inspiration and now languish in seventh spot in the league. The one major concern for David James’ side has been their inability to hold a lead. They have failed to capitalise on their advantage in numerous matches this season which has been the primary cause for their six-match winless streak.

Coming into the tie against the Highlanders, Kerala cannot afford to be wasteful in front of goal. The likes of Slavisa Stojanovic and CK Vineeth will have to step up to the plate and deliver a fine performance to help their side to victory. In their previous fixture against Goa, the Blasters’ defence was exposed by the swift movement of the likes of Ferran Corominas and Edu Bedia. With NorthEast likely to pose a similar challenge, Sandesh Jhingan and Co. will have to be on their toes throughout the 90 minutes.

Here’s a look at Kerala Blasters’ season in numbers:

PROBABLE LINE-UPS:

NORTHEAST UNITED FC: Pawan Kumar (GK), Reagan Singh, Mato Grgic, Mislav Komorski, Keegan Pereira, Rowllin Borges, Jose Leudo, Redeem Tlang, Federico Gallego, Lalthathanga Khawlhring, Bartholomew Ogbeche (C)

KERALA BLASTERS FC: Naveen Kumar (GK), Mohamad Rakip, Sandesh Jhingan (C), Anas Edathodika, Lalruatthara, Nikola Krcmarevic, Prasanth K, Keziron Kizito, Halicharan Narzary, Slavisa Stojanovic, CK Vineeth

DID YOU KNOW?

• Kerala are on a six-match winless run (4 draws, 2 losses).
• NorthEast United have the fewest number of goal scorers this season (3).
• Last season, Kerala did the double over NorthEast, winning both matches 1-0.

FANSPEAK:

Which defender will prove to be the unstoppable force at the back for their team?

• Mato Grgic
• Sandesh Jhingan

Catch the match live on the Star Sports Network, Hotstar and Jio TV from 7:30 PM