Indian Super League: Gameweek 4
Stadium: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi
21st October 2023
Kerala Blasters will welcome NorthEast United in Gameweek 4 of the Indian Super League at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi. Kerala are suffering through injury issues which will give chance to NorthEast United to secure all three points. Who will win?
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Kerala Blasters kicked off their 2023-24 Indian Super League season against Bengaluru at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium. The Blues showcased a commendable display of football, controlling possession and creating more scoring opportunities. Nevertheless, the Tuskers managed to secure a victory thanks to an own goal by Keziah Veendorp and a second-half goal by Adrian Luna, giving them a winning start to their campaign.
In their subsequent match, the Yellow Army played host to Jamshedpur, with Luna once again emerging as the sole scorer for Kerala Blasters, as the Red Miners failed to find the back of the net.
The Blasters then traveled to the Mumbai Football Arena for a clash with Des Buckingham's Mumbai City. Jorge Pereyra Díaz opened the scoring for the Tuskers, a lead later equalized by Danish Farooq Bhat in the 57th minute. However, Apuia's second-half strike for the Islanders intensified the game, leading to a heated exchange and a verbal altercation. The match concluded with two red cards shown in added time, ultimately ending in a 2-1 victory for Mumbai.
Kerala Blasters will be without the services of their central defender, Milos Drincic, in the upcoming match. Drincic has been suspended for three matches by AIFF due to a breach of disciplinary regulations. He is anticipated to make a return to the team after the next international break. In his absence, Marko Leskovic was a likely replacement, but concerns about his fitness could also sideline him for this fixture.
In addition to the overseas central defenders, Aibanbha Dohling is dealing with an ankle injury, and his return to action is not expected to be immediate.
Kerala Blasters Predicted lineup
Sachin Suresh, Prabir Das, Pritam Kotal, Hormipam Ruivah, Sandeep Singh, Jeakson Singh, Danish Farooq, Daisuke Sakai, Adrian Luna, Kwame Peprah, Dimitrios Diamantakos.
NorthEast United Form
NorthEast United kicked off their campaign facing Des Buckingham's Mumbai City. The Islanders secured a comfortable 2-1 victory, with Jorge Pereyra Diaz netting a pair of goals, while Parthib Sundar Gogoi's lone attempt went unrewarded.
Following their initial defeat, the Highlanders hosted Chennaiyin at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium. Parthib once again found the net for NorthEast United, but this time, he received essential support from Phalguni Singh and Asheer Akhtar, leading the Highlanders to a convincing 3-0 triumph.
In their third match, NorthEast United settled for a 1-1 draw against Punjab at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi.
In contrast to Kerala Blasters, NorthEast United will enter matchday four of the Indian Super League at full strength. Fortunately, Benali's team has not encountered any injuries or suspensions. Consequently, the Highlanders are anticipated to field the same starting lineup they used against Punjab.
NorthEast United's possible lineup
Mirshad Michu, Dinesh Singh, Asheer Akhtar, Miguel Zobaco, Tondonba Singh, Mohammed Ali Bemammer, Phalguni Singh, Romain Philippoteaux, Parthib Gogoi, Nestor Albiach, Rochharzela
Expert Betting Tips
Kerala Blasters will confront NorthEast United without the presence of two pivotal players. Nevertheless, the Tuskers will enjoy the benefit of playing on their home turf, where their passionate fans consistently create a lively atmosphere.
Conversely, the Highlanders' performance against Chennaiyin conveyed a strong message to other clubs. However, it is still likely that Kerala Blasters will emerge victorious against their counterparts from the North.
We expect over 2.5 goals in the game.