ISL 2024-25: Kerala Blasters Aim for Third Successive Win Against NorthEast United
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Synopsis
On January 17, Kerala Blasters FC is poised to clash with NorthEast United FC in the ISL 2024-25 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. With two consecutive home victories, Kerala Blasters eyes a third win, aiming to maintain their home advantage and extend their unbeaten streak against NorthEast United.
Key Takeaways
- Kerala Blasters FC hosts NorthEast United FC in ISL 2024-25.
- Kerala Blasters aim for their third consecutive home win.
- NorthEast United seeks to improve their away performance.
- Both teams have strong offensive records this season.
- Coaches emphasize teamwork and strategic play.
Kochi, Jan 17 (NationPress) Kerala Blasters FC is set to welcome NorthEast United FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium this Saturday. The Kerala Blasters aim to showcase their dominance at home, having secured victories in their last two matches at this venue, and they are on the verge of achieving a third consecutive win at home for the first time since the 2022-23 season.
This season, Kerala Blasters have triumphed in four out of their eight home fixtures. A win would also increase their unbeaten streak against NorthEast United FC at home to nine matches.
NorthEast United has been impressive away from home, clinching their last two away fixtures and achieving four wins in eight matches during the ISL 2024-25. They seek to rectify their previous challenges in Kochi.
Currently, Kerala Blasters sit in ninth place on the leaderboard with 20 points from 16 games, which includes six wins and two draws. In their last five outings, they have secured three wins but faced two losses.
NorthEast United is positioned fifth, with 24 points from 16 matches. The Highlanders are on an unbeaten streak in their last five games, though they have only managed two wins and three draws in that period.
In their last two home games, Kerala Blasters have netted three goals in each match. A repeat of such a high-scoring performance would mark the first time in ISL history that they achieve three consecutive home victories with 3+ goals.
This season, Kerala Blasters have conceded 13 goals from set-pieces, the highest in the league. With a striker like Alaaeddine Ajaraie on their side, the Highlanders may capitalize on Kerala Blasters' vulnerabilities if they do not improve defensively.
Another victory for NorthEast United FC would extend their unbeaten streak to their longest since an 11-game stretch from January to March 2021. They trail just three points behind second-placed FC Goa and will aim to close that gap.
The Highlanders have scored a total of 31 goals this season, equaling the highest tally in the league, and will look to challenge the Kerala Blasters defense, which has allowed 27 goals so far. Ajaraie leads the league with 20 goal contributions, while Jithin M.S. has provided five assists.
Kerala Blasters FC interim head coach TG Purushothaman emphasized the significance of teamwork.
“We play for each other. We believe in teamwork. We know how to handle various situations, and we will strive to maintain positive outcomes,” he stated.
NorthEast United FC head coach Juan Pedro Benali mentioned that his team aims to secure the best possible ranking.
“Regardless of playing at home or away, we must earn points. In the last few matches, we could only gather one point, but it’s better than nothing. Now, our objective is to win as many matches as possible and finish in a favorable position,” he commented.
