.
v
NorthEast United FC
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi
6th October, 2015
***
Previous season semifinalist Kerala Blaster will start their campaign against NorthEast United FC. Both the teams had different fate last season, one reaching the semifinals other finished last in the league table.
This season both the teams have made major changes in their respective squad, both have signed new managers and retained very few players from last season. NorthEast United had their pre season in South Africa while Kerala Blaster prefers to train in Kerala.
Kerala Blasters
Kerala Blaster will be host to this match and will kick off their league campaign. English manager of Kerala Blaster Peter Taylor have brought in many English players in the team. The gaffer expected to start with 3-5-2 formation packing the midfield.
Marquee signings Carlos Marchena has been ruled out of the match due to injury and Kerala will miss some of the key players like Cavin Lobo and Sandesh Jhigan who will be away on national duty.
Chris Dagnell and Sachez Watt will be two key players who will have to give Kerala good start upfront. Both the strikers have been playing regularly in English lower division. Mehtab Hussain will be important figure in midfield that will have to do work breaking down the opponent attacks.
Probable Starting XI: Stephen Baywater; Peter Ramage, Marcus Williams, Gurwinder Singh; Shankar S, Mehtab Hussain, Coimbra, Ishfaq, Peter Carvalho; Chris Dagnell, Sachez Watt.
Probable Starting 11
NorthEast United FC
Northeast United FC had decent pre season and will be eager to start campaign on high note. They do not have major concern of injuries and most of the players are available for selection. Cesar Farias have vast experience in managing and he will look to bring his experience in northeast united. He will go with 4-5-1 formation with Portuguese playmaker Silas doing number 10 duty.
Miguel Garicia now a household name in Indian football circle, the centre back have done good job in India. He will retain his position as centre back. Zambian international Kondwani was star performer for NorthEast last season. He will look to continue his brilliant work for highlanders.
Argentine striker Velez have come off from impressive season in Singapore. He will expected to provide goals for the club.
Probable Starting XI: Gennaro; Raju Yumnam, Garcia, Hengbart, Ralte; Silas, Bruno, Seityasen Singh, Hoakip,Sanju Pradhan; Valez.
Prediction
Kerala Blasters 2 a 1 NorthEast United FC
Kerala Blaster havena t had decorative pre-season like NorthEast United but strong home support would inspire them up. They expected would expect to win against NorthEast United to give their fans delight.