The 2016 Hero Indian Super League is finally upon us NorthEast United FC host Kerala Blasters FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Saturday in what will be the curtain-raiser for the third edition of India’s grandest footballing extravaganza. The Highlanders will be looking to finally break their semi-final curse under new head coach Nelo Vingada by making a strong start to the season after narrowly missing out on the semis in both the previous editions of the league. Kerala Blasters FC, on the other hand, will be looking to redeem themselves under Steve Coppell this time around after finishing rock-bottom last year following a runners-up finish in the inaugural edition of the league.Head-to-head: Kerala Blasters FC hold the advantage over NorthEast United FC in their head-to-head battles having won two of the four matches so far. Both wins came last year with impressive 3-1 and 4-1 score-lines. They have also played out a draw on one occasion, while the Highlanders’ only win against the Blasters came in the first meeting between the two sides in Hero ISL 2014.Didier Zokora vs Mehtab HossainNorthEast United FC’s marquee player for this season is certain to add some much-needed steel and aggression to the Highlanders midfield. As Ivory Coast’s most capped player, his experience and big-match qualities are undeniable. The versatile 35-year-old is also capable of slotting into a variety of positions and can make his presence felt in the attacking-third as his two assists for FC Pune City from last season corroborate. His experience and ability to control the tempo of the match will be vital for his side against Kerala as well as the rest of the season.Kerala Blasters FC’s tried and tested midfield general, Mehtab Hossain will once again be trusted with implementing the coach’s instructions on the pitch as he returns for a third season with the Kochi-based team. The pulse at the heart of the Blasters midfield, Hossain offers the men in yellow a dynamic and energetic presence at the centre of the park. He made more tackles (69) than any other player from his side last year and will have a huge say in the outcome of the match on Saturday. Nicolas Velez vs Sandesh JhinganTop-scorer for NorthEast United FC last season, Nicolas Velez will be looking to improve on his tally of five goals from last year by trying to run in behind the Blasters’ backline at every given opportunity. A pacey and intelligent striker who loves to play off the shoulder of the last defender, Velez will be looking to be more clinical in front of goal starting this weekend against Kerala Blasters FC.ISL’s Emerging Player from the inaugural edition of the league, Sandesh Jhingan will be looking to contain the Highlanders’ formidable attack as he also looks to wipe away the bitter memories from last season. The tall, powerful, strong and pacey centre-back is an intimidating sight for any opposition attacker and will be a tough nut to crack on Saturday.Mailson Alves vs Antonio GermanMailson Alves could prove to be one of the most prudent buys of the season by the Highlanders. He was a massive influence in Chennaiyin FC’s title-winning side last year as he marshalled their backline and transformed it into the league’s meanest defence. A towering presence at the back capable of striking fear into the hearts of opposition attackers with his daunting presence, one can rest assured that NorthEast’s defence will be difficult to breach this year.One of the biggest revelations from last season, Antonio German will be looking to kick on and set the Hero ISL stage ablaze again after sending Kerala’s fervent supporters into a frenzy on a regular basis last year. He scored six times and provided three assists in just nine matches to win many hearts. With pace to burn and a clinical left-foot, German could prove to be the difference on Saturday.Squads:NorthEast United FC: Subrata Paul, TP Rehenesh, Wellington Gomes, Salam Ranjan Singh, Nirmal Chettri, Shouvik Ghosh, Robin Gurung, Reagan Singh, Mailson Alves, Gustavo Lazzaretti, Didier Zokora, Fanai Lalrempuia, Holicharan Narzary, Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Katsumi Yusa, Koffi Christian N’dri, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Rowllin Borges, Seityasen Singh, Wellington Priori, Romaric, Emiliano Alfaro, Nicolas Velez, Sasha Aneff, Robert Cullen, Sumeet PassiKerala Blasters FC: Graham Stack, Sandip Nandy, Kunal Sawant, Mohammad Ansari, Aaron Hughes, Cedric Hengbart, Sandesh Jhingan, Gurwinder Singh, Pratik Chaudhary, Elhadji Ndoye, Josu Currais, Didier Boris Kadio, Azrack Mahamat, Mehtab Hossain, Mohammed Rafique, Ishfaq Ahmed, Vinit Rai, Michael Chopra, Antonio German, Kervens Belfort, Duckens Nazon, Mohammed Rafi, Thongkhosiem Haokip, Farukh Chaudhary, Prasanth Karuthadathkuni
