Kerala Blasters coach Rene Meulensteen, center, has his task cut out. Photo: Sameer HameedKochi: Kerala Blasters will be desperate to end their victory drought when they take on NorthEast United FC in an ISL Season 4 match here Friday night. Blasters, who suffered a 5-2 drubbing at the hands of FC Goa in their last game, will be eyeing nothing less than three points against NorthEast and revive their campaign.
Blasters, who have drawn all three of their home games, came a cropper against the Goans in their lone away tie so far this edition. The usually solid Blasters backline led by Sandesh Jhingan was shred to pieces by Spanish striker Ferran Corominas. Jhingan was quick to term his performance against Goa as one of his worst displays and has vowed to come back stronger.
Mark Sifneos continues to be the inspiration for Blasters up front. The Dutch striker has netted two of the three goals they have managed till now. C K Vineeth returns after missing the Goa game due to suspension and will team up with Sifneos.
Injury worries
However, Dimitar Berbatov and Iain Hume are likely to miss the game after picking up injuries.
The Blasters midfield comprising Arata Izumi, Jackichand Singh, and Courage Pekuson have failed to fire in unison and the trio needs to get its act together if Blasters are to progress this season. Loken Meitei, who had a lackluster outing against Goa, is likely to make way for Siam Hanghal.
Blasters have only three points from four matches and are languishing in eighth place in the 10-team competition.
NorthEast too have struggled to get going and are in seventh spot with four points from as many games. An error by goalkeeper T P Rehenesh cost them the game against Bengaluru FC.
But the Highlanders are a doughty lot and in Brazilian striker Danilo Lopes and compatriot Adilson Goiano they have got the firepower to trouble the Blaster defense.
The fans have turned out in large numbers to cheer Blasters in their home games and the players need to repose their faith. They have to make the home games count and Friday presents a big opportunity as well as a huge challenge for the Yellow Brigade.
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