ISL: NEUFC keen to break home jinx as Kerala come calling

Guwahati: NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) have been impressive in the Indian Super League with 11 points from their first six matches and they will aim to continue the momentum when they face Kerala Blasters FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium here on Friday.

There is one problem though for the NorthEast United. They've won three matches so far and all of them have been away from home. They will now look to break the home jinx as they host Kerala Blasters.

A lot would depend on Bartholomew Ogbeche, who has scored more than 50 per cent of the goals for NorthEast this season. When the Nigerian striker has got on the scoresheet, NorthEast have never lost a game.

Coach Eelco Schattorie has been boosted by the return of defender Mislav Komorski. He, however, did admit that one of his foreign players has suffered a season-ending injury.

"We have one foreigner injured who might not play for the entire season, but I will not name him now as it can be an advantage for the opponents. Barth (Bartholomew Ogbeche) had some injury but he is back. We have some Indian players injured but this is part of football," said Schattorie.

Kerala Blasters, meanwhile, haven't won a single game since their opening day victory over ATK.

Coach David James has struggled to get his team going and the South Indian side is coming into the game on the back of two home defeats against Bengaluru FC and FC Goa.

Just like every other season for Kerala, they are struggling for goals.

They haven't created many goal scoring opportunities either, leaving James to put up a defiant front.