ISL 2018-19: Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United | Match Preview, Predictions, Live Streaming & Where to watch details
The curtains get down at yet another Indian Super League city for the season as Kerala Blasters hosts NorthEast United at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium of Kochi in their final game this edition.
Kerala Blasters are going past a season with very few things to remember. Finishing 9th on the points table, the two-time finalists couldn't make use of the great start they made in the opening game against ATK. Since then, the club went on a massive winless streak which ultimately led to the sacking of David James. When Nelo Vingada took charge later on, the playoffs were out of hand for the team. They have 14 points this season with 2 wins and 8 draws.
NorthEast United are facing Blasters with the excitement of making their first ISL playoffs in the 5 seasons. The Highlanders had things going their way from the beginning of the season. With Bartholomew Ogbeche being the face of attack, NEUFC had their longtime worry of goal-scoring solved this time. Eelco Schattorie having the best plans in house, NorthEast was a much-improved side throughout these months and deserved a spot in the knockouts. On the points table, they are 4th with 28 points from 17 games.
ALSO SEE: ISL Standings | ISL Schedule | ISL Results
Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United: Match Information
Date: 1 March 2019
Kickoff: 7:30 PM IST
Live Stream: Star Sports Network and Hotstar
Live commentary: Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United Live Score | Commentary and Updates
Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi
Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United: Team News
Kerala Blasters
Kerala Blasters does not have any injuries or suspensions.
NorthEast United
Mato Grgic will be out for NorthEast United due to a fourth yellow card.
Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United: Probable Lineups
Kerala Blasters (4-2-3-1): Dheeraj Singh, Mohammed Rakip, Sandesh Jhingan, Anas Edathodika, Lalruatthara, Cyril Kali, Seiminlen Doungel, Sahal Abdul Samad, Courage Pekuson, Slavisa Stojanovic, Matej Poplatnik
NorthEast United (4-2-3-1): Pawan Kumar, Reagan Singh, Shouvik Ghosh, Gurwinder Singh, Keegan Pereira, Rowllin Borges, Panagiotis Triadis, Juan Mascia, Federico Gallego, Lalthathanga Khawlhring, Bartholomew Ogbeche
Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United: Form Guide
Kerala Blasters: L-W-D-L-D
NorthEast United: D-W-D-L-W
Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United: Head-to-Head
Kerala Blasters: 5
NorthEast United: 3
Draw: 1
Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United: Key Players
Kerala Blasters
Kerala Blasters will have Matej Poplatnik act as the centre of attack. The Slovenian striker is the club's joint-top scorer this season, with 4 goals from 15 games. If the accurate and sharp passes from midfield reach the 26-year-old, there wouldn't much trouble in giving the NorthEast defence some hard time.
NorthEast United
NorthEast United has one of the most clinical strikers of ISL Bartholomew Ogbeche with them. The French striker has 12 goals this season and would find the Blasters encounter as an opportunity to increase the tally. Ogbeche would be sufficient for Schattorie to leap into the timely mistakes from the Blasters back-four.
Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United: Predictions
While one team has struggled to the maximum this season, the other has had a merry time. NorthEast United would be determined to storm into the playoffs with the maximum number of points and is expected not to take the game lightly. If fielding with a decent XI respecting the hosts, they would have another win in the pocket.
Predicted Score - Kerala Blasters 0-2 NorthEast United