Kerala Blasters will face a confident NorthEast United side in their second game of the Indian Super League season at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim, Goa.
While the Highlanders had stunned title favourites Mumbai City FC 1-0 in their opening encounter, the Tuskers had suffered a 1-0 defeat to ATK Mohun Bagan in their first game.
Watch Kerala Blasters FC vs NorthEast United FC on live streaming.
Kerala Blasters FC squad
Kibu Vicuna-led Kerala had 69.3 per cent possession of the ball in the first half against the Mariners. However, they failed to capitalise on their chances throughout the opening fixture.
For the Yellow Army, Vicente Gomez and Sergio Cidoncha were the stand-out performers as they took control of the midfield and gave forward passes without a sweat.
Kerala Blasters’ high-profile signing Gary Hooper was the biggest disappointment as he was left isolated up front and was later substituted in the second half.
India international Sahal Abdul Samad also had a pretty ordinary outing as he had missed the easiest chance of the game from five yards in front of goal.
Goalkeepers: Albino Gomes, Bilal Khan, Prabhsukhan Singh Gill, Muheet Khan.
Defenders: Costa Nhamoinesu, Nishu Kumar, Bakary Kone, Jessel Carneiro, Sandeep Singh, Abdul Hakku, Lalruatthara.
Midfielders: Sergio Cidoncha, Sahal Abdul Samad, Vicente Gomez, Seityasen Singh, Rahul KP, Givson Singh, Lalthathanga Khawlhring, Yendrembam Denechandra, Nongdamba Naorem, Arjun Jayaraj, Ayush Adhikari, Jeakson Singh, Prasanth Karuthadathkuni, Ritwik Das, Rohit Kumar.
Forwards: Gary Hooper, Jordan Murray, Facundo Pereyra, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Shaiborlang Kharpan.
NorthEast United FC squad
Gerard Nus-led NorthEast United FC pulled off an upset in their 2020-21 ISL opener as they shocked title favourites Mumbai City FC.
Ghanian international Kwesi Appiah converted a penalty in the 49th minute to give the Highlanders the perfect start to their campaign.
NorthEast center-backs Benjamin Lambot and Dylan Fox were rock solid throughout the game as they negotiated the firepower of Adam Le Fondre, Bartholomew Ogbeche, and Hugo Boumous.
Credit must also be given to the youngest coach of ISL 7, Nus, who had pulled off a masterclass in his first 90 minutes in the competition.
Goalkeepers: Sanjiban Ghosh, Subhasish Roy, Gurmeet, Nikhil Deka
Defenders: Ashutosh Mehta, Benjamin Lambot, Dylan Fox, Gurjinder Kumar, Mashoor Shereef, Nabin Rabha, Nim Dorjee, Provat Lakra, Wayne Vaz, Rakesh Pradhan
Midfielders: Federico Gallego, Khassa Camara, Lalengmawia, Imran Khan, Lalrempuia Fanai, Pragyan Gogoi, Rochharzela
Forwards: Idrissa Sylla, Luis Machado, Kwesi Appiah, Britto PM, Ninthoinganba Meetei, Lalkhawpuimawia, Suhair Vadakkepeedika
Kerala Blasters FC vs NorthEast United FC predicted XI
Kerala Blasters FC predicted starting XI: Albino Gomes, Prashanth, Bakary Kone, Costa Nhamoinesu, Jessel Carneiro, Sergio Cidoncha, Vicente Gomez, Ritwik Das, Sahal Abdul Samad, Nongdamba Naorem, Gary Hooper
NorthEast United FC predicted starting XI: Subhashish Roy Chowdhury; Ashutosh Mehta, Benjamin Lambot, Dylan Fox, Gurjinder Kumar; Ninthoinganba Meetei, Lalengmawia, Khassa Camara, Luis Machado; Fanai Lalrempuia, Kwesi Appiah
Where to watch Kerala Blasters FC vs NorthEast United FC live
The Kerala Blasters FC vs NorthEast United FC match will be telecast live at 7:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 2, Star Sports 3, Star Sports 1 Hindi as well as the respective HD TV channels in India.
The KBFC vs NEUFC clash will also be streamed live on Disney+ Hotstar and Jio TV.
For ISL odds and ISL betting, visit Sportsbet.io and look for Indian Super League.
