Kerala Blasters FC (KBFC) will square off against NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) in the second game of Matchday 4 of Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Saturday, September 21. The KBFC vs NEUFC ISL 2023-24 match will start at 8:00 PM IST.
Under head coach Ivan Vukomanovic, the hosts will look to bounce back after losing to Mumbai City FC 1-2 at the Mumbai Football Arena in their last game.
Earlier, the Tuskers started their campaign with a 2-1 win over Bengaluru FC and followed it up by beating Jamshedpur FC 1-0 at their home.
With six points from three matches, Kerala Blasters are currently placed fourth in the ISL 2023-24 standings.
On the other hand, NorthEast United will aim to return to winning ways after playing out a 1-1 draw against Punjab FC.
Led by newly-appointed head coach Juan Pedro Benali, the Highlanders earlier went down to Mumbai City 1-2 in their season opener. They later defeated Chennaiyin FC 3-0 in their second game.
Having accumulated four points from three matches, NorthEast United are placed fifth in the standings.
Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United head-to-head
Kerala Blasters have a superior head-to-head record against NorthEast United in ISL history. The Blasters have won eight of the 18 matches that they have played against the Highlanders so far. NorthEast have registered four victories, while six matches have ended in draws.
The last time these two sides met, Kerala Blasters beat NorthEast United 2-0 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in the ISL last season in January.
KBFC vs NEUFC Dream11 fantasy football prediction for ISL 2023-24
Kerala Blasters have an impressive record at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi. Furthermore, the Blasters have dominated NorthEast in the ISL previously.
Going by past head-to-head record and home advantage, KBFC will start as favourites against NEUFC on Saturday.
KBFC vs NEUFC Dream11 fantasy football team tips for ISL 2023-24
Top tip: Best forward
NorthEast United FC’s Parthib Gogoi has been one of the standout Indian players in the ongoing ISL season so far. The 20-year-old forward has netted three goals in as many matches for NorthEast United. He will look to continue his scintillating form and will be a player to watch out for against Kerala Blasters on Saturday.
Top tip: Best midfielder
Kerala Blasters’ talisman Adrian Luna will be a player to watch out for in the midfield. The Uruguayan midfielder has scored two goals in three matches besides also creating six chances so far. He will look to control the midfield and help his side bag another three points at their fortress.
Top tip: Best defender and goalkeeper
Among the defenders, one must include Kerala Blasters’ Pritam Kotal in their fantasy team. The 30-year-old defender has helped register 51 clean sheets in the 157 ISL matches that he has played so far. He has also scored six goals and provided eight assists. He will be pivotal for the Blasters against the young NorthEast forward line.
Kerala Blasters’ Sachin Suresh just pips Mirshad Michu of NorthEast United for the goalkeeper spot. Since the departure of former KBFC custodian Prabhsukhan Singh, Sachin Suresh has been impressive for the Blasters. Suresh has kept one clean sheet and has also made nine saves so far.
KBFC vs NEUFC playing XI (probable)
Kerala Blasters: Sachin Suresh (goalkeeper); Prabir Das, Pritam Kotal, Milos Drincic, Aibanbha Dohling; Daisuke Sakai, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Vibin Mohanan, Adrian Luna; Danish Farooq, Dimitrios Diamantakos
NorthEast United: Mirshad Michu (goalkeeper); Soraisham Dinesh Singh, Asheer Akhtar, Míchel Zabaco, Tondonba Singh, Romain Philippoteaux, Mohammed Ali Bemammer; Parthib Gogoi, Konsam Phalguni Singh, Manvir Singh; Néstor Albiach
Photo credit: Alamy
