The second round is underway in the Indian Premier League (ISL) as the teams are slowly establishing themselves and trying to form the right groups from their teams. Kerala Blasters FC Northeast United are hosting the Goa Medical College Stadium in Bambolim on Thursday.
The Kerala Blasters lost the first game of the season to ATK Mohun Bagan, 0-1. Blasters showed promise and quality, but ATK Mohun Bagan still outdid them. The lack of practice in the match was an indication that Kibo Vicuña looked out of cohesion.
The Blasters played a friendly with Mumbai City Football Club behind closed doors after their first game of the season to work on their fitness. Although Blasters had many areas to work on, there were also some instances of silver lining. The defensive duo of Costa Nhamuinsu and Baccari Kuni looked strong, allowing Vicuña to focus only on midfield to provide enough balls for Gary Hopper.
Meanwhile, Northeast United won their first meeting against Mumbai City FC with an unexpected 1--0 score. Mumbai City FC looked flustered and tired, allowing defensive duo Benjamin Lampot and Dylan Fox to be their prime. Gerrard Noss's squad absorbed all the pressure to keep the attack on the counter and surprise Mumbai City FC. The midfield crowd worked brilliantly for the Highlanders.
A NorthEast United victory takes them to the top of the league, while a victory for Kerala Blasters will provide much-needed momentum for Kibu Vicuna to start the season.
Kerala Blasters FC vs NorthEast United FC - Everything you need to know
Kerala Blasters FC and North East United have met 12 times in the last six seasons of the Indian League. The two teams met only in the regular league season. The two teams were very competitive with each other in their matches.
Kerala Blasters has won five times, while the Highlanders have won three. Four matches ended in a draw. The last three confrontations between these two teams ended in deadlock, indicating the quality and competitiveness of the two teams. In fact, the last meeting between the two teams ended in a goalless draw.
Results of the last five matches in ISL between Kerala Blasters FC and NorthEast United FC
Northeast United 0-0 Kerala Blasters
Kerala Blasters 1-1 Northeast United
Kerala Blasters 0-0 Northeast United
Northeast United 2--1 Kerala Blasters
Northeast United 0-1 Kerala Blasters
The top 3 scorers of last season
Kerala Blasters - Bartholomew Ojpichi (15), Messi Polly (8), Rahul KB (1)
NorthEast United FC - Asamoah Jian (4), Redeem Tlang (3), Martin Chaves (3)
Clean sheet from last season
Kerala Blasters - 3
Northeast United - 3
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