KBFC vs NEUFC Match Details
Date: Saturday, 21 October 2023
Time: 20:00 (IST)
Venue: Kaloor Stadium, Kochi
KBFC vs NEUFC Match Preview
The first loss of the season for Kerala Blasters after the 2-1 defeat to Mumbai City FC was more damaging than the result. The ugly scenes that resulted in the game saw Milos Drincic shown a straight red with Prabir Das also handed suspension later. Added to that was the injury to two key players in the squad, Jeakson Singh and Aibanbha Dohling which took away much of the positive start Blasters made this season. Also their first away game of the campaign, the Tuskers started strongly but went behind through Jorge Diaz’s goal after goalkeeper Sachin Suresh’s howler. While Danish Farooq’s emphatic strike brought the score levels, another defensive blunder at the back this time from Pritam Kotal let Apuia score the winner. Hoping to turn things around, Blasters have their home form to take positive from against NorthEast United in their fourth ISL game. Even if the team is very much depleted, three points will be on the agenda for the side.
On the other hand, NorthEast United were halted by promoted side Punjab FC in the 1-1 draw. Another rocket of a strike from the sensation Parthib Gogoi just before half-time did not bore any fruit as Melroy Assisi restored parity in the second half. Juan Pedro Benali’s men will not be too satisfied by sharing the spoils with a team that lost all the games before facing them but the point earned keeps them in the top five standings. The Highlanders will now search for their first away win in the second consecutive match on the travel against Kerala Blasters, a place above them. NorthEast United have not won a single game in this trip to Kochi, only managing to draw twice and losing the last two meetings. Kerala Blasters will also be playing to maintain their excellent start at home in front of the rousing support making the task even harder for the away side. But NorthEast United’s spirited showing so far means they have nothing to fear either.
KBFC vs NEUFC Team News
Kerala Blasters are plagued with injury and suspension crises going into the game. Center-back Milos Drincic and right-back Prabir Das have been handed three-match ban by AIFF for the scuffle post-Mumbai City match. Additionally, midfielder Jeakson Singh has been ruled out for months with an injury while record signing Aibanbha Dohling will miss the entire season. Marko Leskovic is also absent with an injury which means the back four will go through a complete reshuffle. Only Pritam Kotal will retain his spot. The Tuskers could also have a foreigner disadvantage in the game on Saturday. On the other hand, NorthEast United will have a fully fit squad available to them.
KBFC vs NEUFC Predicted Lineups
KBFC: Sachin Suresh; Sandeep Singh, Ruivah Hormipam, Pritam Kotal, Bryce Miranda; Daisuke Sakai, Danish Farooq, Vibin Mohanan, Mohammed Aimen; Dimitrios Diamntakos, Adrian Luna
NEUFC: Mirshad Michu; Soraisham Singh, Asheer Akhtar, Miguel Zabaco, Tondonba Singh; Romain Philppoteaux, Mohammed Bemammer; Nestor Albiach, Konsam Singh, Jithin M.S; Parthib Gogoi
KBFC vs NEUFC Head to Head
Played - 19
KBFC won - 9
Drawn - 6
NEUFC won - 4
KBFC vs NEUFC Dream11 Team Prediction
GK: Michu (8)
DEF: S Singh (8), Kotal (8.5), Akhtar (9)
MID: B Miranda (7), K Singh (9), Philippoteaux (8), Luna (9)
FW: D Farooq (9) Parthib (9), Albiach (8)
Vice-captain: Parthib Gogoi
Captain: Adrian Luna
