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A fresh-looking Kerala Blasters will look to start their Hero Indian Super League campaign with a win when they take on NorthEast United on home soil in the 2015 edition of the tournament.
The previous encounter between the two teams at Kochi was a dull affair as the teams shared the points, after Kerala failed to break down a 10-man NorthEast. Both sets of fans will want to witness a better encounter this time around.
A huge turnout is expected at the Kaloor international stadium (Jawaharlal Nehru stadium) on Tuesday as Kerala Blasters return to action in Hero Indian Super League 2 under the watchful eyes of team owner, Sachin Tendulkar; who has confirmed his presence at the venue.
Kick-off Time and Live Telecast
Live Telecast: StarSports 1,2, StarSports HD1 and 2, Asianet Movies (Malayalam)
Live Stream: starsports.com
Date and Time: Tuesday, 6th October 2015 – 1900 IST
Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi
Team News
The biggest team news for Kerala Blasters will be the absence of the defensive pair in Carlos Marchena and Sandesh Jhingan. Kerala’s marquee man, Marchena was flown back to Spain for treatment following an injury, while Sandesh Jhingan will be on national team duty for India, preparing for their World Cup qualifiers against Turkmenistan.
With the duo’s absence, the experienced pair of Peter Ramage and Bruno Perone will anchor the defence. The rest of the team will go into clash confident, after beating a local side 7-0 in a friendly game held at the Greenfield stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on the 27th of September.
It is definite that coach, Peter Taylor will be banking on new recruits; Chris Dagnall and Sanchez Watt for goals.
“Chris and Sanchez are lively forwards and can score goals. I looked at Kerala Blasters’ last season where they scored only nine goals and I felt it needed a bit more pace, a bit more movement up front. So I’m expecting them to do well” said Peter Taylor ahead of the game, about his attacking options.
NorthEast United will also be without the services of their Marquee signing. The Portuguese veteran, Simão Sabrosa, who was to play the number-10 role for the visitors, will sit this one out.
"Simao will probably miss the first two games. We are taking precautionary measures, but we are confident he will be back fitter and stronger,” NorthEast head coach Cesar Farias said during the pre-match press conference at Kochi on Monday.
The highlanders, however, have considerable firepower in attack, in the form of former Premier League striker, Diomansy Kamara and Ghanaian forward, Francis Dadzie.
French defender Cedric Hengbart, who was a pillar in the strong Kerala Blasters backline last year, will return to face his former side, for NorthEast. The promising Rehenesh T.P, originally from Kerala, will look to continue his fine form between the sticks.
NorthEast manager, César Farías will be pleased with the developments so far, as the team that spend their pre-season, preparing for the ISL, in South Africa, convincingly won all their friendlies played there.
Probable line-ups:
Kerala Blasters F.C (4-4-2):
Sandip Nandy, Saumik Dey, Bruno Perone, Peter Ramage, Gurwinder Singh, Mehtab Hossain, João Coimbra, Ishfaq Ahmed, Josué Currais Prieto, Sanchez Watt, Chris Dagnall
NorthEast United F.C (4-4-2):
Rehenesh T.P, Robin Gurung, Miguel Garcia, Cedric Hengbart, Zohmingliana Ralte, Boithang Haokip, Kondwani Mtonga, Sanju Pradhan, Silas, Francis Dadzie, Diomansy Kamara
Key Battles
Diomansy Kamara vs Kerala Defence
The resolute Kerala defence, with missing personnel, might be kept busy all afternoon by Senegalese striker, Diomansy Kamara. The former Fulham and West Bromwich Albion frontman will make dangerous runs in behind the defence and will pose an aerial threat throughout the game.
Wary of this will be Kerala boss Peter Taylor although he will be armed with precautions in the form of Peter Ramage and Bruno Perone. Service into the box should also be kept in check by the full backs as Kamara is a striker who breeds on crosses.
It will be interesting to see how the defence copes with Kamara.
Silas vs Mehtab Hossain
In the centre of the park, things will get tight due to all the ball playing midfielders on show. For NorthEast United, Silas will be the playmaker from the number 10 role in absence of fellow countryman, Simão Sabrosa, and may pull a rabbit out of the hat if the occasion demands a bit of magic.
Just like last season, Mehtab Hossain will be the one on holding duties for the Blasters. The experienced midfielder will face his biggest test when he squares up against Silas, so he may have to sit deep to cut off movements and intercept play.
Prediction
Both sides have a relatively new squad this season and will want to impress right from the start. With a comparatively strong defence and a skilful attack on paper, combined with the massive Kerala crowd backing them up at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium at Kochi, it should be a comfortable outing for Kerala.
Kerala Blasters 2-0 NorthEast United FC
Betting Odds (bet365)
Kerala Blasters: 21/10
NorthEast United FC: 3
Draw: 7/2
