Kerala Blasters FC will face NorthEast United FC on the 18th October, 2026 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati, for their second game of the MG Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 season.
The Blasters head into this fixture after a 2-0 win against Inter Kashi, courtesy of captain Vibin Mohanan and debutant Andre Green finding the back of the net to take the Blasters to the top of the league table at the end of Gameweek 1.
Ashley Westwood handed debuts to summer arrivals Andre Green, Nebojša Kosović, James Bolton, Paul Ramfangzauva, Mohammed Sanan, Momo Yansane and Sumit Sharma last game, with English forward Green capping off his club debut with a late stoppage-time goal and Bolton providing the defensive stability to preserve the clean sheet.
Blasters will be looking forward to remaining consistent and extending their winning streak to maintain the early momentum as the league gathers pace. The team heads into Guwahati eyeing all three points after three days of training in Kolkata.
Rival Watch
NorthEast United arrive for this game after a winning start, where they snatched a late 1-0 winner against Mohun Bagan SG.
“We’re expecting them to be the home side, so the team that’s going to try and win the game and go forward. And why not? They’re off the back of a really good result. They’ll be confident, and we just have to make sure that we’re organised and we’re prepared to stand up and be counted and give a good account of ourselves,” said Ashley Westwood.
Under Juan Pedro Benali, NorthEast United rely on quick transitions and high pressing. Jithin MS offers dynamism, while Alaaeddine Ajaraie provides a constant threat in the final third. Gurmeet Singh anchors the backline with crucial shot-stopping, complemented by Asheer Akhtar’s defensive resilience.
In essence, the Highlanders will remain a potent threat capable of hurting opponents if afforded space. The Blasters’ defensive unit is expected to have a busy hour on the pitch, and they must remain alert and organised to ensure the hosts are neutralised, whenever they try to threaten.
Players to Watch Out For
Vibin Mohanan
The local lad, Vibin Mohanan stepped on to the pitch wearing the captain’s armband last game and provided the team with multiple offensive initiatives that kept the opponents on alert. Vibin had the presence of mind to anticipate a cross from the right and broke the deadlock of the game, scoring the first goal for the Blasters in the MG ISL 2026-27.
Korou Singh
Korou returned back to the Blasters’ starting eleven after missing a large part of the previous season, and the 19-year-old showed no signs of missing out for a long period. Korou looked at ease right from the first whistle and was excellent on the flanks, pairing up with Vibin. Korou notably provided a carpet cut-back to Vibin in the 18th minute, which the skipper converted, marking Korou’s 4th assist in Blasters threads.
Freddy Lallawmawma
Freddy was the backbone of the Blasters midfield and put in an energetic performance, driving the team’s play and contributing at both ends of the pitch. In several instances, he ventured into the final third and even tried his luck by taking some shots from distance, piling the pressure upon the opponents and forcing errors from them.
Word from the Boss
“We’ve won, but there are many things to work on. We’re not quite there yet. It’s quite far off where we want to be. We’ve shown good characteristics that we can keep a clean sheet. We can score goals. And that’s all pluses. And, of course, going into the game, people lasting 90 minutes so early on, people getting fitter. So, all good credit and positives that we take from it,” Ashley Westwood, Head Coach.
“We kept a clean sheet, so it was a good start to the season. And we’re trying to improve because new players are coming in, so we’re trying to help each other at the back. Bolton came in, and he’s a great leader at the back, so he’s helping and guiding us. It’s a plus point for all the players playing at the back, learning from him on and off the pitch. And, yes, he’s helping, and we’re just focusing on ourselves, and we’re going to keep a clean sheet again,” said Aiban Dohling.
Head-to-Head Record
The overall head-to-head statistics, predominantly ending in draws, have seen the Blasters dominate over the Highlanders with 9 wins in their 25 meetings. The latest meeting between the two sides at Kochi ended in a 1-1 draw.
- Matches Played: 25
- Kerala Blasters FC Wins: 9
- Draws: 10
- NorthEast United FC Wins: 6
When and Where to Watch NorthEast United FC vs Kerala Blasters FC?
The MG ISL 2026-27 game between NorthEast United FC and Kerala Blasters FC will be played on the 18th October 2026 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati. The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 PM IST.
The match will be livestreamed on the official MG Indian Super League YouTube Channel along with SonyLIV.
