A humdinger of a contest is on the cards as NorthEast United FC take on Kerala Blasters FC in the second match of the Hero Indian Super League in Guwahati tomorrow. The Ricki Herbert-coached home side will bank on the support of a fanatical home following and a potent attack to help breach the Kerala citadel, which will be guarded by a hugely competent defence. Intrigue surrounds the Kerala Blasters goalkeeping spot, as it remains to be seen whether marquee player-manager, former England goalkeeper David James, will play himself, or take up managerial duties on the sidelines. While the home side will reap the cohesive benefits of its youthful, albeit relatively inexperienced, Indian contingent who hail from Shillong Lajong FC, the away squad will not be disadvantaged as their Indian personnel have been handpicked by assistant coach Trevor Morgan from among his former East Bengal wards.Mehtab Hossain vs the NorthEast United FC attackThe iconic Kolkata player, who was Morgan’s first pick during the domestic player draft, will unleash his destructive potential on the opposition and try to nip all NorthEast attacks in the bud in the middle of the park. This is a great chance for Mehtab to show the world why he is hailed as India’s best defensive midfielder.Cornell Glen vs the Kerala Blasters FC defenceThe former Trinidad & Tobago World Cupper, who has past Indian experience with Shillong Lajong, is expected to front an incisive attack which has Luis Padilla, James Keene, Sergio Pardo, and Seimenlen Doungel as the support options. Expect Colin Falvey, Cedric Hengbert, Jamie McAllister and other rocks in the Kerala defence to secure their fortress with great determination.Player to watchNorthEast United FCAlexandros TzarvosGreece’s 2010 World Cup goalkeeper will be the man to watch as his presence under the home bar will lend assurance to his teammates. A clean sheet will be his great contribution to the cause.Kerala Blasters FCPenn OrjiMorgan may rely on his trusted former hand to unlock the home defence which will be helmed by marquee player Joan Capdevila. The wily Nigerian central midfielder is quite capable of providing a few moments of magic that can create the openings and enable the likes of Michael Chopra, Iain Hume, Andrew Barisic to take full advantage.
