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Two-time ISL runners-up Kerala Blasters are ready to host NorthEast United FC in their fourth home game of ISL 2017 on Friday. Both teams are coming at the back of losses in their previous games, with the Yellow Army still looking for their win of the season.
Kerala Blasters will look to recover from their previous game against FC Goa, where they have conceded five goals in comparison to just one in their first three games. They have not lost any of their home games yet, having played goal-less draws in the first two ones and one goal each the third one. They have never taken that many games to register their first win in any season and will surely look to bounce back strongly.
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The Highlanders registered their first victory of this season in their previous away game against the Delhi Dynamos FC 2-0. Also, that was the only game where NorthEast United managed to find the back of the net this season. It will not be easy for Highlanders to break the three-game unbeaten streak of the Blasters at home.
With Kerala remain undefeated at home against NorthEast United historically, we are expecting a cagey encounter at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi.
Kerala Blasters FC
Kerala Blasters head coach Rene Meulensteen accepts the pressure of not delivering a single win in the first four games. The Dutch coach believes in his squad and his training process to deliver favorable results soon. However, the absence of Dimitar Berbatov will increase more difficulties for the Dutchman going into their fifth game without a win in ISL 2017.
With Berbatov being injured, Iain Hume is most likely to take his place in the starting XI, provided he recovers in time from his injury. English center-back Wes Brown is most likely to make his ISL debut in place of Lekic-Pesic, having returned to full training. He is more likely to field his boys in a 4-4-1-1 formation to keep the balance between attack and defence.
Kerala Blasters FC Probable Starting XI: Paul, Lalrutthara, Wes Brown, Jhingan, Anto, Vineeth, Izumi, Hume, Pekuson, Jackichand, Sifneos.
NorthEast United FC
The NorthEast head coach doesn’t believe that their past performances against Kerala in Kochi will make any impact on the game today. He also believes Kerala’s performance against Goa will not make it an easy game for the Highlanders, as he believes the Blasters are one of the strongest teams in the contest.
With TP Rehenesh fully fit for the game, the only expected change could be the arrival of Lalrindika Ralte in the starting XI in place of Doungel. He will look to continue his favoured formation of 4-2-3-1, using the mid-field to good effect.
NorthEast United FC Probable Starting XI: Rehenesh, Reagan, Jose, Sambinha, Nirmal, Narzary, Borges, Goiano, Marcinho, Didika, Lopes.
Prediction
Kerala Blasters FC 2-1 NorthEast United FC
We are expecting Kerala Blasters to register their first victory of this season and maintain their unbeaten record at home against the Highlanders. However, Blasters need to avoid set-piece situations against the Highlanders.
