The second season of the Hero Indian Super League [ISL] gets into its stride as Kerala Blasters FC host NorthEast United FC in the last of the Round One fixtures. Kerala, last year’s runners-up, will be hoping to go one better this year as they begin their campaign at home at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi.NorthEast United FC, meanwhile, will be looking for a much-improved showing this season after ending last year at the bottom of the table. The Highlanders enter the new campaign with a bolstered squad. Peter Ramage vs Nicolás Leandro VélezThe Blasters’ prudent acquisition of Peter Ramage in the off-season is certain to shore up their defensive game. A product of Newcastle United academy set-up, the former Crystal Palace and Queens Park Rangers centre back brings plenty of experience to the Kerala backline. His no-nonsense and physical style of play is certain to make life difficult for opposition attackers.Nicolás Leandro Vélez hails from the famed youth set-up of Argentine giants River Plate. The 25-year-old Argentine is a proven finisher and has been at the peak of his powers, netting nine goals and two assists in 16 games for the Singaporean side Warriors FC. His goal-scoring prowess and ability to unlock opposition defences with ease will definitely be a major asset for NorthEast United FC in Season 2.Mehtab Hossain vs SilasKerala were quick to retain Mehtab Hossain who promises to be an integral part of their midfield engine-room. The defensive midfielder played an important role in their late surge to the final last season with an outstanding pass accuracy of 80% and 28 interceptions from the heart of midfield. His high work-rate coupled with his ability to sniff out danger and nip it in the bud offers his defenders added security at the back.With a career spanning over 20 years in professional football, NorthEast United FC’s signing of Jorge Manuel Rebelo Fernandes, better known as Silas, will bring the Highlanders bags of experience in the midfield. The veteran playmaker has scored for virtually every club he has ever represented and will be hoping to continue the trend for his new employers in ISL 2015. Silas’ vision for a pass and leadership qualities make him a great signing for NorthEast United FC. Chris Dagnall vs Miguel GarciaThe Men in Yellow’s addition of Chris Dagnall offers them a much-needed boost in attack. Kerala finished Season 1 as the lowest-scoring team after the group phase. With star man and last year’s Hero of the Tournament Iain Hume moving to champions Atlético de Kolkata, the southern outfit were left with a massive void to fill. Enter Dagnall. The pint-sized forward’s clinical finishing and ability to run in behind defenders makes him a key man for Kerala’s prospects in the new season.One of the few survivors of Season 1 from the NorthEast United FC squad, Miguel Garcia made 13 appearances for his side last year. An ever-present in the Highlanders’ defence, Garcia rallied his troops and converted the NorthEast United FC backline into the second meanest defence of Season 1 after FC Goa. Comfortable on the ball, the man from Portugal had an astounding passing accuracy of 88% from the back, while also making a staggering 60 interceptions and 62 clearances for his side last season.All eyes though will be on Bruno Areas who arguably scored the goal of the tournament last season. The 30-year-old Spaniard’s role in midfield will have a major say in the eventual outcome of the game. His spectacular strike for Delhi Dynamos FC last year laid down a marker of what he can do. With an assist and a goal to his name last season, Arias will be imperative to the Highlanders hope of a better finish this season.Kerala Blasters FC, however, will have an ace of their own in the form of Arsenal youth graduate Sanchez Watt. The dynamic midfielder will be hoping to match NorthEast’s Arias, if not go one better. His pace and tenacity make him difficult for opponents to contain. Watt’s blistering pace in behind the last line of defence will also give Kerala an extra attacking edge going forward. The 24-year-old heads into Season 2 of the Hero ISL as one of his side’s most creative players.QUOTES:I know NorthEast United FC didn’t have a great season last year but I’ve been watching the club on TV. They have signed good players. I expect NorthEast to be a better side [this season] and this to be a tough match: Kerala Blasters FC assistant coach Trevor MorganWe know they have [Kerala] great players, we know they have a great coaching side. But we are here to develop our skills and to build characters who can control the game: NorhtEast United FC coach Cesar FariasSQUADS:Kerala Blasters FC: Stephen Bywater, Rahul Shankar Bheke, Ramandeep Singh, Peter Ramage, Carlos Marchena (Marquee Player), Cavin Lobo, Joao Coimbra, Chris Dagnall, Mohd Rafi, Ishfaq Ahmed, Shankar S, CK Vineeth, Mehtab Hossain, Sandesh Jhingan, Gurwinder Singh, Manandeep Singh, Sanchez Watt, Antonio German, Bruno Perone, Sandip Nandy, Saumik Dey, Marcus Williams, Peter Carvalho, Victor Herrero Forcada, Josu Currias, Shilton PaulNorthEast United FC: Aiborlang Khongjee, Robin Gurung, Boithang Haokip, Alen Deory, Rehenesh Thumbirumbu Paramba, Sanju Pradhan, Hali Charan Narzary, Seityasen Singh, Lalthuammawia Ralte, Siam Hanghal, Raju Yumnam, Reagan Singh , Marlangki Suting, Zohmingliana Ralte, Kondwani Mtonga, Miguel Angelo Moita Garcia, Gennaro Bracigliano, Simao Pedro Da Fonseca Sabrosa (Marquee Player), Bruno Herrero Arias, Diomansy Mehdi Moustapha Kamara, Jorge Manuel Rebelo Fernandes, Cedric Alain Hervine Hengbart, Nicolas Leandro Velez, Francis Dadzie, Boubacar SanogoBoth sides will go into the match without their marquee players on account of injury.The match starts 1900 IST and will be telecast on Start Sports 1/HD1/2/HD2/3/HD3)
