ISL: NorthEast United FC Vs Kerala Blasters - Preview, team news and expected line-ups

Indian Super League Prediction

April 19 2024, 07:30 PM

Odisha

Kerala Blasters

Guwahati, Oct 1: Indian Super League 2016 kick-starts its campaign today (October 1) at Guwahati with home side NorthEast United FC taking on Kerala Blasters in the inaugural match. [Full schedule of ISL 2016]

The John Abraham owned NorthEast side have failed to display quality performances in either of the previous seasons as they had ended their campaign on 8th and 5th positions respectively. [Full list of squads in ISL 2016]

NorthEast United FC(left) and Kerala Blasters official logos (Image courtesy: NorthEast United and Kerala Blasters Twitter)

Kerala Blasters, on the other hand, have had a topsy turvy campaign. After narrowly losing out on winning the title to Atletico de Kolkata in the first season, the Sachin Tendulkar owned franchise finished at the rock bottom position last season.

Kick-off: 7:00 PM (IST)

Venue: Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati

The match will be telecasted live of Star Sports 2/HD2

Team News

Kerala Blasters have made several changes to their squad this season. They have roped in 36-year-old North Ireland international Aaron Hughes as their marquee player.

Hughes had played at the Euro 2016 for his country and he is also a former Arsenal player. Hughes presence at the backline will definitely bolster the Blasters squad.

The club has retained the services of prolific striker Antonio German who proved to a revelation last season.

The home side NorthEast United too made several changes in their squad. They have brought in India international Subrata Paul and signed former Ivory Coast international Didier Zokora from FC Pune City as their marquee player.