AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: Kerala Blasters FC host NorthEast United FC on the back of two disappointing defeats to the two top ranked teams of the Hero Indian Super League.

The Highlanders on the other hand, blew hot and cold as they beat top ranked Chennaiyin FC 3-0 and then crashed to a defeat against second placed FC Goa by the same margin. David James’ side are fourth in the league table and will need to win this one to boost their chances of a semifinal slot. A win for the visitors would see them replace the hosts in the top four though.

The last time these teams met, Koke scored the match winner on the stroke of half-time. Kerala will be looking to avenge that loss at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Thursday.

Kerala’s problem has been scoring goals. With only eight so far, they are bottom of the goals scored list. The away side in comparison have netted 10. Having taken one less shot than the home side (134-135), the shooting accuracy for the Highlanders has however been higher with more shots on target (72-67).

They’ve even put in more crosses (227-217) and will be encouraged by these statistics to take the game to the Keralites. NorthEast United look the stronger even from a defensive point of view, having had more interceptions (367-315) and blocks (80-71). Their defence has kept one clean sheet more than their hosts too (5-4).

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