Fourth-placed Kerala Blasters FC host fifth-placed NorthEast United FC in the final match of the league stage of Hero Indian Super League 2016 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Sunday evening. Kerala, who are a point ahead of the Highlanders, know that a draw will suffice, while for NorthEast (18 points from 13 games), nothing other than a win can guarantee them qualification for the semis. Four of the Blasters’ five wins this season have come at home, and they have been beaten only once playing in front of home fans. That should give them plenty of confidence as they would want to get the job done in front of their passionate supporters. The fact that this year’s final will be played at Kochi should also spur them on. Steve Coppell’s team will however go in without the services of Mehtab Hossain, who is serving a one-game automatic suspension. NorthEast, on the other hand, after having a bad run of four consecutive losses, are now unbeaten in their last four matches. Having won their last match against one of the title favourites, Delhi Dynamos FC, they should not be short on confidence going into this contest. Be that as it may, they know that the odds are slightly stacked against them as they face a must-win situation away at Kochi, a place where they have never won before. Also, they will be without the services of Gustavo Lazzaretti and Subrata Paul, both out injured.

Head-to-Head: The inaugural season of the Hero ISL saw NorthEast pip The Blasters 1-0 at home before the teams played out a goalless draw in Kochi. Hero ISL 2015 witnessed Kerala do the double over NorthEast, with the men-in-yellow picking up a 3-1 home win and a 4-1 away win. Earlier this season, NorthEast edged Kerala 1-0 in Guwahati.

Form Guide (last five matches):

Kerala Blasters FC: W-W-L-W-D

NorthEast United FC: L-D-W-D-W

Cedric Hengbart vs Emiliano Alfaro

Kerala Blasters’ Cedric Hengbart forms the core of his team’s backline. He has been rock solid this season, making innumerable tackles and interceptions. The lanky Frenchman is also good in the air winning his fair share of aerial duels besides being an offensive threat, corroborated by his tally of one goal and two assists so far. The 36-year-old’s performance will be key for his team when NorthEast come calling.

Emiliano Alfaro has shown great form for the Highlanders this season. His attacking prowess has been eye-catching and his five goals provide proof. With quick feet and clinical finishing, the Uruguayan has succeeded in keeping opposition defenders on their toes. He has been a bit quiet of late and the Highlanders would hope he gets his goalscoring form back in this crucial game.

CK Vineeth vs Seityasen Singh

CK Vineeth has been Kerala’s star performer this season. The midfielder has four goals and an assist to his credit and has been instrumental in pulling the strings from midfield. Vineeth is also a cool finisher and provides key passes very often, courtesy of his deft touches. He scored Kerala’s only goal in their last match against ATK, making him the joint-highest Indian scorer in the league alongside Kean Lewis.

Seityasen Singh has been a key player on the wings for the Highlanders. One of the young talents this season, the 24-year-old has been a constant danger going forward. He can whip in good crosses from the flanks besides being good at finishing. He has two goals to his name and having scored in NorthEast’s last match against Delhi, he will be high on confidence heading into this tie.

Kervens Belfort vs Mailson Alves

Kervens Belfort has been a lively presence in attack for the Blasters this season. The 24-year-old Haitian is strong and pacey and has already scored two and assisted one goal. He can take on any defender and more often than not proves to be a thorn for opposition defences. He will have an important part to play in Sunday’s match, with him shouldering the responsibility of taking forward the attacks.

Mailson Alves has been a pillar at the back for the Highlanders. He has made key tackles at the back and has been instrumental in breaking down opposition attacks. The Brazilian is difficult to outfox and makes life difficult for opposition attackers. However, against a dangerous Kerala forwardline, he can expect a busy day at the office.

Squads:

Kerala Blasters FC: Graham Stack, Sandip Nandy, Kunal Sawant, Aaron Hughes, Cedric Hengbart, Sandesh Jhingan, Gurwinder Singh, Pratik Chaudhary, Elhadji Ndoye, Josu Currais, Didier Boris Kadio, Azrack Mahamat, Mohammed Rafique, Ishfaq Ahmed, Vinit Rai, Michael Chopra, Antonio German, Kervens Belfort, Duckens Nazon, Mohammed Rafi, Thongkhosiem Haokip, Farukh Chaudhary, CK Vineeth, Rino Anto

NorthEast United FC: TP Rehenesh, Wellington Gomes, Mailson Alves, Nirmal Chettri, Reagan Singh, Robin Gurung, Salam Ranjan Singh, Shouvik Ghosh, Didier Zokora, Fanai Lalrempuia, Holicharan Narzary, Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Katsumi Yusa, Koffi Christian N’dri, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Rowllin Borges, Seityasen Singh, Wellington Priori, Emiliano Alfaro, Nicolas Velez, Robert Cullen, Sasha Aneff, Sumeet Passi