ISL 2020-21 Live Score, NorthEast United FC vs Kerala Blasters: NEUFC 1 Point Away from Semis

ISL 2020-21 Live Score, NorthEast United FC vs Kerala Blasters Latest Updates:  NorthEast United FC face Kerala Blasters FC and need just a point to become the third team to qualify for the playoffs, in Match 107 of Indian Super League (ISL) 2020-21 at the Tilak Maidan Stadium in Vasco. Mumbai City FC and ATK Mohun Bagan have already booked their place in the semi-finals.

NorthEast United FC are unbeaten in their last eight ISL games. Ever since Khalid Jamil took charge, the Highlanders have grown in confidence and have produced stunning results from some difficult games. Under Jamil, the Highlanders have taken 18 points. Only ATK Mohun Bagan (20) have more points and they have played an extra game.

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The Highlanders are unbeaten in their last nine matches. Their form will be a confidence boost ahead of their tie against Kerala Blasters FC. They have five wins and four draws in these matches. NEUFC have scored 16 goals during this unbeaten run, as compared to 13 goals in 10 games prior to that and have conceded 15 goals in the second half as compared to 10 in the first 45 minutes. Playing against a side who are prolific in the second half (with 14 goals), the Highlanders’ backline will need to be at their best.

“They are a good team. They have a lot of talented players and good foreigners too. They are a quality team so we have to prepare accordingly. It is going to be a difficult game and we must not take this match lightly. We understand the importance of this game, so we have to give everything,” Highlanders interim head coach Khalid Jamil said ahead of the crucial encounter.

Kerala Blasters FC, meanwhile, have shown improvement in their attack over the course of the season but that’s not the case with their defence. They have conceded 34 goals this season, and 22 of these have come in the second half. The side were held to a 1-1 draw by Chennaiyin FC in their last match, and will hope for a victory to end their winless run of seven matches this season.

“…They have to win and they do have more pressure but for us it is an opportunity to sign off from the league on a high. We are not thinking about what they have to do, we are thinking about us. We have injuries too but we will be concentrating on their weaknesses and our strengths,” Kerala Blasters FC’s interim head coach Ishfaq Ahmed said ahead of the game.

Idrissa Sylla had scored a late equaliser in the Highlanders’ reverse fixture against Kerala Blasters to earn a point back in November. However, with a lot more at stake for the Highlanders heading into this game, a win will be the only thing on their minds even though a draw will be enough for them. That said, Kerala Blasters FC will be looking to spoil their party.