Kerala Blasters and NorthEast United FC have been two of the more low-profile sides going into this new Indian Super League season. However, that does not mean they do not have the superstars capable of setting ISL 2015 alight.
Filled with talent, both squads have the talent to go all the way this season, and here is a quick look at the players who could make an impact for their team on Tuesday when Kerala Blasters host NorthEast United FC in Kochi.
Kerala Blasters: Sanchez Watt and Chris Dagnall: Having had such a low-profile preseason – the Blasters trained in Thiruvananthapuram – it is difficult to gauge what sort of formation the new manager Peter Taylor will go with, but the two high-profile foreign strikers from England should make an impact. Watt, a former Arsenal youngster, has the pace and power to cause problems to any ISL defence, while Dagnall is a clever player, capable of finding the right pass and the back of the net.
Peter Ramage: With Carlos Marchena and Sandesh Jhingan missing this match, the onus will be on the former Newcastle United man to organise the back-four. Kerala Blasters' success last season was built on a tight defence, and Ramage must play a big part if that is to stay this season as well.
Mehtab Hossain: The East Bengal midfielder was one of the lynchpins for the Kerala Blasters in ISL 2014, and with the Sachin Tendulkar-owned team looking to play a more expansive style this season, the pressure will be on Mehtab to play that screening role to perfection.
NorthEast United FC: Diomansy Kamara was one of the more high-profile signings for the club from the North East this season, and the former Portsmouth, West Brom and Fulham striker should pose a goal threat.
Cedric Hengbart: If NorthEast are not to leak goals this season, the experienced Frenchman will be key. At 35-year-old, he has been there and done it all, and having experienced the ISL last season -- with the Kerala Blasters -- his organisational skills will be quite important.
Seityasen Singh: NorthEast United shelled out Rs 56 lakh for the midfielder at the ISL 2015 auctions, and with that comes the pressure of living up to the price tag. Cesar Farias will, no doubt, want the speedy wide man/fullback to set those assists column rolling from the first match.
