ISL Fantasy 2017/18: Tips for Mumbai City FC vs Kerala Blasters
Match 48 of ISL 2017/18 will see Mumbai City FC take on Kerala Blasters. Kerala Blasters are unbeaten since the appointment of David James as head coach, while Mumbai City FC will be looking for a win that will help them enter the top 4.
Goalkeeper
Amrinder Singh: Amrinder Singh conceded two goals against Jamshedpur FC, but the 24- year-old has done well making 31 saves so far, the most by a keeper in ISL 2017. With Mumbai City FC playing at home, Amrinder has a good chance of notching up his fourth clean sheet of ISL 2017/18.
Defenders
Lucian Goian: The sturdy Romanian has continued his last season’s form where he was named the best defender. Goian has attempted a massive 61 tackles, the most by a defender in ISL 2017/18. His 21 interceptions are also the joint most by any player in ISL 2017.
Gerson Vieira: Gerson Vieira has been superb for Mumbai City FC so far. The Brazilian has attempted 334 passes, second most by a Mumbai City FC player. He has also been a threat going forward attempting seven shots so far, highlighting his offensive threat.
Rino Anto: Anto has already provided two assists with pin point crosses, his two assists are the most by a defender in ISL 2017/18. The Thrissur born right back has been strong defensively and has also impressed going forward. Anto provided the assist the last time the teams met.
Lalruatthara: Kerala Blasters left back has enthralled in his first ISL season. The 22-year-old has been impressive both defensively and offensively. The youngster has attempted 33 tackles so far, the most by a Kerala Blasters defender.
Midfielders:
Achille Emana: Achille Emana has been superb for Mumbai City FC dominating the midfield with his ball carrying ability and physicality. The fact that the burly midfielder makes Mumbai City FC tick is highlighted by his tally of four assists, the joint most in ISL 2017/18, plus his 360 passes are also the most by a Mumbai City FC player.
Everton Santos: The Brazilian impressed with his work rate and directness with the ball going forward and was a threat throughout the match. He has had a hand in six goals so far (2 goals and 4 assists) and his speed and willingness to run in behind the defenses offers Mumbai City FC a different dimension going forward. His 11 shots on target is the most by a Mumbai player so far.
Thiago Santos: Thiago Santos was unarguably the star of the previous round scoring a brilliant brace helping Mumbai City FC secure a 2-2 away draw with Jamshedpur FC. The Brazilian has scored four goals so far, amongst midfielders only Manuel Lanzarote has scored more goals in ISL 2017/18.
Courage Pekuson: Courage has shone brightly so far for Kerala Blasters. He has provided goal-scoring passes in Kerala’s last two matches. The 23-year-old has impressed with his energy, versatility and all-round play. He has attempted 16 shots so far, the most by a Kerala player.
Forwards
Iain Hume: Hume roared back to form by opening his account for this season with a brilliant hat-trick against Delhi Dynamos helping Kerala Blasters register their first away win of the season. The Canadian certainly deserves a place in your fantasy teams.
Balwant Singh: Balwant Singh didn’t score in the last match but the strongly built forward is Mumbai City FC’s top scorer with five goals. With Mumbai playing at home and expected to go on the attack coupled with Kerala’s shaky defence means Balwant will have plenty of opportunities to score.