Kerala Blasters FC and NorthEast United FC will look to build some momentum
Guwahati: NorthEast United FC will host Kerala Blasters FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on Sunday, September 29, at 7:30 pm IST.
The visitors had triumphed over East Bengal FC by 2-1 in their previous match, whereas the Highlanders were at the receiving end of a 3-2 loss against the Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
Defensively disciplined NEUFC
· NorthEast United FC have kept two consecutive clean sheets at home in the ISL, with results of 3-0 vs Odisha FC and 2-0 vs Kerala Blasters FC. They have never kept a clean sheet in three consecutive matches in the ISL in their home turf, and this game is an opportunity to do so.
KBFC’s positive track record against NEUFC
· Kerala Blasters FC have won thrice and drawn twice in their last six fixtures against NorthEast United FC. Their aerial prowess is visible from the five headed goals they have scored in the ISL since the start of the 2023-24 season, which is a factor for the home team to watch out for.
“We have a final coming up”
NorthEast United FC head coach Juan Pedro Benali has repeatedly mentioned that he treats every league fixture as a final. He is positive of the improvements that his side is showing after a closely-fought affair against the Mariners in Kolkata last week.
“I’m really happy, and proud of my players because we have shown that we’re growing. My team needs to improve in many areas, from all the areas, we need to keep working, now we have another final (against KBFC) we will think about the next game,” Benali said.
Head-to-Head
Out of 20 fixtures between these two teams in the ISL, NorthEast United FC have won five games and Kerala Blasters FC have emerged victorious eight times. Seven matches have resulted in a draw.
Key Players & Milestones
· NorthEast United FC’s Alaeddine Ajaraie has found the back of the net in his first two ISL matches, tallying two goals and one assist. If he scores in his third game, he will become only the second player to score in each of their first three ISL matches, following Elano, who did so in six consecutive games.
· Parthib Gogoi, with 13 goal contributions, is two away from Bartholomew Ogbeche (14) to become the outright second highest goal contributor for NorthEast United FC after Federico Gallego (20).
· Sandeep Singh’s 90.5% tackle success rate in the ISL since the start of 2024 is the joint-highest for any player who has attempted a minimum of 20 tackles alongside Tekcham Singh.
· Kerala Blasters FC’s Noah Sadaoui’s 25 shot-ending carries in the ISL since the beginning of 2024 is the highest such tally for any player in the given time period.
