Never before in its brief history has the Indian Super League witnessed this sort of drama in the group stages. It has usually been a foregone conclusion well before the last round-robin game.

The equation is simpler for Kerala Blasters, who now have the added incentive of playing in front of their votaries if they get to the final: One point. That is all it takes for them to get to the final four. On form, both teams stand on a level footing with the scales tipping slightly in favour of NorthEast United.

Blasters have stitched an impressive record at home recently, finally learning how to use the big pitch and their famed support brigade to their advantage. United, meanwhile, have picked up seven points from their last three games, and have have impressed away from home; they have only lost once while winning a game and drawing the rest.

Defensively and offensively, the Blasters have zeroed in on the right kind of personnel although it is the former that is the side’s strength. Coach Steve Coppell, who has also found his groove after a slow start to the season said that his team would be going for a win, “I don’t know how to play for a draw… I don’t think it is a question of doing anything different than what we normally do and we certainly won’t be playing for a draw. If we were away from home, then it could have been a little different.

“We have a fantastic crowd supporting us at home and we will just go and play and see as the game progresses and situations become apparent, then there might be a change and it will be apparent to everybody and not just me, and if the either side needs a goal for whatever reason, then obviously decisions will have to be made to get that,” Coppell was quoted as saying by the ISL website. Star player Michael Chopra’s fitness is a concern for the Blasters but Coppell confirmed that he is in contention to start in the game.

Match Facts:

Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Kochi (locally known as the Kaloor International Stadium)

Capacity: 60,000 (extendable to 75,000 after the installation of bucket seats)

Time: 7 pm IST

Last meeting: NorthEast United FC 1-0 Kerala Blasters, October 1, 2016 at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Guwahati

Head-to-head: Matches played: 5. NorthEast wins: 2, Kerala wins: 2, Draws: 1

Key Battles:

Emiliano Alfaro vs Cedric Hengbart

The NorthEast United striker has gone off the boil somewhat after blazing away in the early stages of the league. However, his contribution to the Highlanders is still immense as he brings his teammates Katsumi Yusa and Nicolas Velez into the game by dropping slightly deep.

With United needing goals in this game, it is likely that Alfaro won’t be straying away from his duties as a pure finisher. Blasters need need their solid defence to stay tight on Alfaro, especially during the set-plays. Cedric Hengbart has good support on either side to keep the Uruguayan quiet, which will go a long way towards helping Blasters to the next round.

CK Vineeth vs Didier Zokora

The fleet-footed Vineeth has changed the way the Blasters move forward in attack, and his side have not missed Michael Chopra one bit. Vineeth has shown that he has pace to burn and an eye for goal. Despite starting on the right, the local boy tucks in and makes direct runs at the heart of the defence.

Didier Zokora has been in and out of the side but remains a key component of United, especially at the back. The Ivorian’s wise old head is critical in keeping Vineeth and his support cast out of harm’s way.

Squads:

NorthEast United FC: Subrata Paul, TP Rehenesh, Wellington Gomes, Salam Ranjan Singh, Nirmal Chettri, Shouvik Ghosh, Robin Gurung, Reagan Singh, Mailson Alves, Gustavo Lazzaretti, Didier Zokora, Fanai Lalrempuia, Holicharan Narzary, Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Katsumi Yusa, Koffi Christian N’dri, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Rowllin Borges, Seityasen Singh, Wellington Priori, Romaric, Emiliano Alfaro, Nicolas Velez, Sasha Aneff, Robert Cullen, Sumeet Passi

Kerala Blasters FC: Graham Stack, Sandip Nandy, Kunal Sawant, Mohammad Ansari, Aaron Hughes, Cedric Hengbart, Sandesh Jhingan, Gurwinder Singh, Pratik Chaudhary, Elhadji Ndoye, Josu Currais, Didier Boris Kadio, Azrack Mahamat, Mehtab Hossain, Mohammed Rafique, Ishfaq Ahmed, Vinit Rai, Michael Chopra, Antonio German, Kervens Belfort, Duckens Nazon, Mohammed Rafi, Thongkhosiem Haokip, Farukh Chaudhary, Prasanth Karuthadathkuni