Sun Sep 29 14:15:44 UTC 2024: ## NorthEast United Aims for Rebound Against Kerala Blasters in ISL Clash

**Guwahati, September 28:** NorthEast United FC will be looking to bounce back from their recent defeat when they host Kerala Blasters FC in the Indian Super League at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on Sunday.

The Highlanders, who won their season opener against Mohammedan FC, suffered a 2-3 loss to Mohun Bagan Super Giant in their last match. Kerala Blasters, on the other hand, enter the match with a 2-1 win over East Bengal FC.

Historically, the two teams have had a close rivalry, with Kerala Blasters edging out NorthEast United with eight wins compared to the latter’s five in their previous 20 encounters. While NorthEast United has previously maintained clean sheets at home, including a 2-0 victory against Kerala Blasters, they have never managed to achieve three consecutive clean sheets at home in the ISL.

“I’m really happy, and proud of my players because we have shown that we’re growing,” said NorthEast United FC head coach Juan Pedro Benali. “My team needs to improve in many areas, from all the areas, we need to keep working, now we have another final (against KBFC) we will think about the next game.”

Kerala Blasters, however, hold a positive track record against NorthEast United, having won three times and drawn twice in their last six encounters. Their aerial threat, evident in their five headed goals scored this season, will pose a challenge for the home team.

The match is expected to be a close encounter, as evidenced by the high number of goals scored in or after the 85th minute in the competition. “The reason we won against EBFC is not only because of a strong starting line-up, but also because of a really good finishing line-up,” said Kerala Blasters head coach Mikael Stahre. “You see that every single week now, and every single day actually, or a match in this ISL, that lots of goals are being scored in the dying minutes.”

Read More