Bambolim, Nov 25 (IANS): NorthEast United started with a stunning 1-0 victory over the star-studded Mumbai City and will be hoping to continue that run when they face Kerala Blasters in their next Indian Super League (ISL) match at the GMC Stadium on Thursday.

Gerard Nus' side banked on defensive resilience to go past Mumbai. Kerala, on the other hand, failed to get a shot on target in their defeat to ATK Mohun Bagan in the season opener which should be a source of encouragement for the NorthEast defenders.

Nus will also be buoyed by the fact that NEUFC are unbeaten in their last four games against Kerala. Regardless, Nus expects a tough game against Kerala.

The two sides had the worst defensive tallies in the league last year with just three clean sheets each. While the latter seems to have moved on from there and bolstered their backline, the same old woes are haunting Kerala. In their opener against ATKMB, the goal that cost them the game came from a defensive mistake.