ISL: Kerala Blasters vs FC Goa - What we can expect - Preview and Prediction
In a bottom of the table clash, Kerala Blasters take on FC Goa in the Indian Super League. While the hosts Kerala Blasters sit at a disappointing seventh, the visitors reel at the bottom of the table. Both sides would come into this match looking for a win, and will expect to collect points. A win for either sidw would take them up to fifth, leapfrogging Delhi Dynamos and FC Pune City.
Coming on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Mumbai City FC, Kerala would be looking to rejuvenate their spirits. Meanwhile FC Goa, who won against Delhi Dynamos, would be looking to continue their winning form. A tight clash, built around tense airs and high octane scenarios in a battle for three points is likely to be witnessed at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi.
Venue and Kickoff
Kerala Blasters would finally get a chance to play infront of their home support as the match will be played in the beautiful city of Kochi. Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi, will witness this encounter. Flaunting a capacity of 80,000, the pitch which is not artificial, could be a delight for players.
Kickoff Time: 7PM IST
Team News
Kerala Blasters: Although they succumbed to a 1-0 defeat against Mumbai City FC, thanks to a Nicolas Anelka goal, the Sachin Tendulkar co-owned franchisee showed defensive solidity against a hefty Mumbai attack. David James, who has been solid in his performances so far, is expected to line up as the guardian between the sticks.
The centre back pairing of for Hengbart and Falvey, who dished out stellar performances against FC Pune City, are expected to start. Meanwhile, Sandesh Jhinghan would be deployed once again as a make shift left back, while Nirmal Chhetri would patrol the right flank. Mehtab Hossain along with Rennedy Singh are expected to return in the starting lineup and ply their trade in a three men midfield which would also include Pearson. Hossain has been an anchor to Kerala's midfield so far, providing cover to their defence while releasing accurates through balls.
Penn Orji who started in a two man attack force behind CS Sabeeth against Mumbai City FC is expected to drop to the bench being replaced by Gusamo. Iain Hume who has given teeth to a toothless Kerala attack is expected to operate alongside Gusamo in a two man strike force behind CS Sabeeth, who has been average so far, scoring one scrappy goal.
Probable XI: David James, Nirmal Chhetri, Colin Falvery, Cedric Hengbart, Sandesh Jhinghan, Rennedy Singh, Mehtab Hossain, Stephen Pearson, Gusamo, Iain Hume, CS Sabeeth
FC Goa: Sinking a strong Delhi Dynamos contingent, FC Goa impressed with their high attacking play in their maiden win. Perhaps the exclusion of Robert Pries, seems to be a blessing in disguise for the Zico masterminded side. The Frenchman though has served his bans, would most likely warm the bench as Zico would not try to break his winning formula.
Jan Seda is expected to start as Goa's goalkeeper, while Gregory Arnolin and Youness Bengelloun will constitute the centre back pairing for the Goans. Both Arnolin and Bengelloun, have been more than impressive so far and have often imposed their hefty physical presence of the opposing forwards. Debabrata and Narayan Das will ply their trade in the wingback positions and would look partner Romeo or Mandar in their respective flanks.
Bruno Pinherio and Jewel Raja are expected to sit deep, providing cover to the midfielder while releasing pacy wingers in the form of the impressive Mandar Rao Desai and Romeo Fernandes. Both Desai and Romeo have been a threat to ISL defences thus far. Andre Santos is once again expected to be deployed in a creative role, providing through balls for forwards to thrive on. Ranti Martins is expected to start and replace Mirsolav Spleckia, who had a quiet debut against Delhi Dynamos.
Probable XI: Jan Seda, Debabrata, Gregory Arnolin, Youness Bengelloun, Narayan Das, Mandar Rao Desai, Jewel Raja, Bruno Pinhiero, Romeo Fernandes, Andre Santos, Ranti Martins
Key Battles
Cedric Hengbart vs Ranti Martins
It could be a test of Cedric Hengbart's credentials when he faces Ranti Martins. Although Martins has been below par, his pace and skill could prove to be threatening to Hengbart's defence. A rough physical encounter between these two physical players is expected to be initiated.
Mehtab Hossain vs Andre Santos
With Andre Santos playing as a creative midfielder and Mehtab Hossain deployed deep, these two talented players could face off in what would be a pure tactical encounter. While Santos would look to release players, Mehtab would try his best to safeguard the Brazilian's efforts.
Prediction
Kerala Blasters will play their first match in front of home support and that could raise the spirits of the David James managed side. A tight encounter with end-to-end stuff in the is expected to be decided by a single goal deficit.
Kerala Blasters 1-2 FC Goa