ISL 2015: Kerala Blasters FC v NorthEast United FC Preview –Marchena and Simao out of contention for the game
Both the teams have important players missing from their squad, but the Kerala squad seems a bit more balanced than the John Abraham owned NorthEast side. There might not be too many goals in this match, but one can expect The Blasters to nick it in the end.
Last season’s finalist, Kerala Blasters FC, host NorthEast United FC, who finished at the bottom of the points table in the league phase.
Kerala managed to qualify for the semi-finals, despite scoring the fewest goals in the tournament. The feat was achieved based on a solid defence at the back, and the brilliance of Iain Hume. The Canadian forward has joined Atletico de Kolkata in the summer, but they have managed to retain most of their first team defenders.
Peter Taylor has brought along a lot of English names into the squad, most notably former Arsenal youth team footballer, Sanchez Watt. If Taylor can find the right combination upfront while retaining the shape at the back, Kerala will be in contention to reach the semi-finals, once again.
For a team which originates from a place so passionate about the game, it was almost heart-breaking to watch NorthEast United finish at the bottom of the table last season. Like Kerala, they too struggled to score goals, and drew too many matches.
This time, with the charismatic Cesar Farias in charge, ‘The Highlanders’ are expected to improve on their performances from last season. They have made some fine additions in attack in the summer, and Diomansy Kamara will provide them with the cutting edge they lacked last time around.
Cesar Farias is known to play an attacking brand of football and he will hope to turn the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium (Guwahati), into a fortress. Better results at home matches will be the key to their success this season.
Kerala Blasters FC Team News
Kerala Blasters will be without Carlos Marchena, their marquee player, for the opening two matches. The Spanish defender picked up an injury in the training ground and flew back to his homeland to consult an expert. Initially there were fears about the extent of his injury, but Peter Taylor has confirmed that the former Valencia defender is close to regaining his fitness.
The former England U21 manager will also have to deal with the absence of Sandhesh Jhingan and Cavin Lobo – both of whom are away on international duty. Jhingan will be replaced by Saumik Dey in the starting line-up, while Isfaq Ahmed steps in for Lobo.
Expected Starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Stephen Bywater (GK); Peter Ramage, Gurwinder Singh, Bruno Perone, Saumik Dey; Mehtab Hossain, Peter Carvalho; Joao Coimbra, Chris Dagnall, Ishfaq Ahmed; Sanchez Watt
NorthEast United FC Team News
Like their opponent, NorthEast United will also be without their marquee player. Simao Sabrosa is suffering from a dead leg, and he will miss the next two matches. His absence could prove to be a huge blow for the visitors. The likes of Bruno Arias, Silas and Diomansy Kamara will now have to shoulder most of the responsibilities in attack.
NorthEast United have retained most of their defence from last season. Miguel Garcia and Cedric Hengbart will resume their partnership at the center of the defence with Indian fullbacks, Aiborlang Khongjee and Robin Gurung, completing the back-four.
Expected starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Rehnesh TP (GK); Aiborlang Khongjee, Miguel Garcia, Cedric Hengbart, Robin Gurung; Kondwani Mtonga, Siam Hanghal; Sanju Pradhan, Bruno Arias, Silas; Diomansy Kamara
What the managers said
Peter Taylor: “Carlos Marchena has a slight back injury which means he’s at 70-to-75 per cent now. He hurt his back in training. So he went to Spain to see somebody he knows and is really improving well now. He will definitely miss the first game but I expect him to be fit for the game on 13th maybe (against Atletico de Kolkata). His absence won't result in more pressure on the team. It's not necessary that marquee players have to play all 14 matches. The team will cope.”
Cesar Farias: "Simao is suffering from a dead leg and will probably miss the first two games. We are taking precautionary measures but we are confident that he will be back fitter and stronger. We have excellent players who can take his place and help the team deliver.
"They [Kerala Blasters] are a team that reached the final last year. We will not be complacent. They have a good team but we are confident with our preparations. We will take it step-by-step. First we want to qualify for the semi-finals and then think about reaching the finals.”
Previous meetings
13 October, 2014: NorthEast United FC 1-0 Kerala Blasters FC (Koke 45’)
4 December, 2014: Kerala Blasters FC 0-0 NorthEast United FC
Prediction
Kerala Blasters FC 1-0 NorthEast United FC
Both the teams have important players missing from their squad. While home support will be a major boost to Kerala, their squad also seems a bit more balanced than that of the John Abraham owned team. There might not be too many goals in this match, but one can expect The Blasters to nick it in the end.
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