ISL: Atletico de Kolkata vs Kerala Blasters- What we can expect - Preview and Prediction
Atletico de Kolkata host Kerala Blasters at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata today. Kolkata are still unbeaten in the tournament after an impressive 2-1 win against FC Goa at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa. Cavin Lobo scored both the goals for Atletico de Kolkata and became the first Indian to score a brace in the Indian Super League. Kerala Blasters, who sit at the bottom of the table, will be hoping to get something out of the game from the league leaders. Kerala Blasters have been disappointing so far as their strikers have failed to convert chances into goals.
Venue & Kick-off
Lake stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in the city of Kolkata. It is the biggest stadium in India and second biggest in the whole of Asia, boasting of a capacity of 1,20,000. The capacity has been reduced to 68,000 after the installation of bucket seats.
Kick-off: October 26, 2014 – 4:30 PM (IST)
Possible starting line-ups
Atletico De Kolkata (4-2-3-1): Subhashish Roy Chowdhury; José Miguel González Rey, Sylvain Monsoreau, Arnab Mondal, Biswajit Saha; Borja Fernandez, Ofentse Nato, Cavin Lobo, Jakub Podaný, Jofre; Baljit Sahni
Atletico de Kolkata have been hit hard with a two game ban for Fikru Lemessa and a four game ban for coach Antonio Lopez Habas. Predipkumar Bhaktawer, Goalkeeper Coach of Atletico de Kolkata has been banned for the next game. In the absence of Fikru, Baljit Sahni is expected to lead the Atletico de Kolkata's attack.
Denzil Franco was substituted in the first half against FC Goa and it's still unclear if he will take part tomorrow. Former Liverpool man Josemi might replace Denzil Franco at right back and former Lyon and Monaco defender Sylvain Monsoreau might get a chance at the heart of the defence.
Cavin Lobo scored two goals against FC Goa and it looks like he has sealed his place in the starting XI. Subhashish Roy Chowdhury should be restored in the starting XI after Apoula Edel started against FC Goa.
Kerala Blasters (4-1-2-1-2): David James, Cedric Hengbart, Gurwinder Singh, Jhingan, Nirmal Chhetri, Mehtab Hossain, Penn Orji, Pearson,Forcada, Michael Chopra, Ian Hume
David James has complained that his team need to be more clinical, if they want to climb up the table. Michael Chopra might start as they will be expecting him to add goals to the team. Stephen Pearson is expected to start ahead of Avinabo Bag in an advanced role. Recently, David James praised Indian youngster CS Sabeeth, but its likely he will be dropped to accomodate Michael Chopra.
Key Battles
Borja Fernandez vs Penn Orji
Borja Fernandez has been one of the key players for Atletico de Kolkata till now. Atletico de Kolkata have won all their games in which Borja Fernandez has featured, they dropped points against Delhi Dynamos, in a game, Borja Fernandez was suspended. The Spaniard can execute good tackles and also make intelligent runs. Penn Orji has been lively for Kerala Blasters. The 23-year-old Nigerian plays in an advance midfield role for Kerala Blasters and can create goal scoring opportunities for his team. Both the players have been crucial for their team and it will be interesting to see who wins the midfield battle today.
Jofre vs Sandesh Jhingan
Spaniard Jofre has been the unsung hero for Atletico de Kolkata so far. Jofre has created goal scoring chances for his team. He loves bursting forward and test the goalkeeper whenever he can. Jofre is expected to play a central role in the absence of Luis Garcia and Kerala Blasters' Sandesh Jhingan will be hoping to keep him quiet for 90 minutes if his teaming want to take away points from Kolkata.
Prediction
We expect Atletico de Kolkata to continue their impressive form against Kerala Blasters at home.
Altetico de Kolkata 3-0 Kerala Blasters