| Malappuram Fc vs TVM Kombans | |
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MATCH INFO |
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MATCH :
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Malappuram Fc vs TVM Kombans
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COMPETITION :
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Super League Kerala
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| DATE: |
30-11-2025
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TIME:
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07.30 PM IST
06.00 PM UAE
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STADIUM
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TVM Stadium
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Predicted Lineup
Malappuram FC Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
Azhar (GK); Nithin Madhu, Abdul Hakku, Aitor Aldalur, Ajith Kumar; Facundo Ballardo, Badr Boularhroud, Akbar Sidhique; Gani Nigam, John Kennedy, Abhijith PA
Thiruvananthapuram Kombans Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
Aaryan Anjaneya (GK); Abdul Badish, Salam Ranjan Singh, Filipe Alves, Shanid; Rohen, Mohammed Shafi, Patrick Mota; Mohammed Ashar, Paulo Victor, Ronald
Malappuram FC enter Matchday 5 as one of the only unbeaten teams in Super League Kerala Season 2. The Beacons will face a struggling Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC side that has yet to stamp its authority on the competition.
The hosts will look to carry forward the momentum of their thrilling 3–3 comeback draw against defending champions Calicut FC, a result that electrified the Payyanad faithful and injected belief into the camp. Meanwhile, the Kombans are fighting to keep their season alive, with two defeats and a single draw placing them in a precarious position near the foot of the group table.
Current Standings & Stakes
Malappuram FC sit third in the group with five points from three matches (1 win, 2 draws), just two points adrift of leaders Kannur Warriors. After enduring mid-table struggles last season, the club knows that victories—especially at home—are essential to avoid repeating that scenario.
Thiruvananthapuram, on the other hand, head into Manjeri under pressure. They have one draw and two defeats, and defeat on Sunday would push them closer to an early elimination. Having fallen at home to Thrissur Magic FC, the Kombans face a decisive fixture where winning is not optional—it is the only way forward.
Form & Mentality
The dramatic late revival against Calicut may prove to be a defining point for Malappuram. Trailing 3–1 until the 84th minute, the hosts refused to surrender and clawed their way back into the match. That psychological boost—knowing they can fight from behind—could be key when facing a desperate opponent.
For the Kombans, the story is the opposite: attacking initiative without end product. Their clashes with Kannur and Thrissur produced strong buildup play, but inefficiency in the final third cost them valuable points. If head coach James McAloon can reinvigorate the group during the short break and iron out finishing issues, Thiruvananthapuram have the potential to silence a roaring Manjeri crowd and leap toward the upper half of the table.
Team News
The heavy, wet outfield during the recent Malabar derby saw several Malappuram players struggle with minor hamstring strains, but these issues are believed to be temporary.
There are no major injury concerns for either Malappuram FC or Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC.
Players to Watch
Malappuram FC — Aitor Aldalur
The Spanish veteran is the defensive anchor and emotional fulcrum of Malappuram FC. With 17+ years of experience in Spanish football, Aldalur has stabilized a defence that was prone to lapses last season. Dominant in duels and blessed with superb game awareness, he frequently dispossesses attackers before danger materialises.
In the match against Calicut FC, his leadership unlocked the comeback. Just before halftime, Aldalur timed his near-post run perfectly, flicking in a corner to level the score at 1–1—a goal that reignited belief and set the stage for the late turnaround.
Thiruvananthapuram Kombans — Patrick Mota
The Brazilian captain is the heartbeat of the Kombans. Operating centrally, Mota connects defence to attack, controls tempo, and shields the back line with tactical discipline. His distribution is elite, and his set-piece creativity has produced numerous key chances in matches against Thrissur, Kochi, and Kannur.
If the visitors are to break down Malappuram’s revitalised defence, the initiative will almost certainly begin at Mota’s feet.
Final Word
With a packed Payyanad Stadium behind them, Malappuram FC will be confident of maintaining their unbeaten run and potentially climbing to the top of the table. But for Thiruvananthapuram, survival instincts have kicked in—this is less a match and more a mission.
The tone is set: momentum versus desperation, atmosphere versus resilience. The stage is ready in Manjeri.
Akhil RAHMAN
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