Kerala Blasters vs FC Pune City: Preview, Live Stream & Channel Info, Team News, Prediction
The home side come into this game against Pune City on the back of a spirited performance against Chennaiyin FC where they came from behind to draw 1-1. The Sachin Tendulkar-owned side relieved Peter Taylor of his duties and were quick to appoint ex-City player Terry Phelan as their new boss.
Pune City also come into this game at Kochi on the back of a 1-1 draw against FC Goa. The men from Pune have been quite consistent this season but performances away from home have been poor.
Terry Phelan faces his first game in charge at Kerala and would be keen to start on the right track. For the Blasters, every game from now on is like a cup final if the team is to qualify to the semifinals. For David Platt’s men, it is all about getting some vital points away from home as they look to consolidate their position in the league table.
Kickoff Time and Telecast
Venue- Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi
Date and Time- Wednesday, 4th November 2015- 1900 IST
Live Telecast- Star Sports 1 & 2, Star Sports HD1 & HD2
Live Streaming- starsports.com
Team News
The men in yellow will miss the services of defender Bruno Perone who was sent off in the previous game. New coach Terry Phelan is likely to hold on to continue playing four men in defence; a move that worked well for the team in the last game. Saumik Dey is likely to retain his place at the back having played well in the last game. Also Chris Dagnall is likely to play ahead of former Atletico de Kolkata man Md.Rafi.
For Pune, the likes of Jakichand Singh and Eugeneson Lyngdoh will be departing next week for national team duty. Hence it is widely believed that both of them will be starting the game. Lyngdoh scored in his last game and Singh has been quite a threat down the left for the men from Pune. Ex-Boro man Tuncay is expected to start up front and will be looking to score for his side. Also the skillful Bikash Jairu is set to keep his place in the starting eleven with Manish Maithani missing out.
Probable Starting XIs
Kerala Blasters: Stephen Bywater; Rahul Bheke, Sandesh Jhingan, Peter Ramage, Saumik Dey; Shankar Sampangiraj, Joao Coimbra; Sanchez Watt, Josu, CK Vineeth; Chris Dagnall
FC Pune City: Steve Simonsen; Dharmaraj Ravannan, Gouramangi Singh, Roger Johnson, Nickey Shorey; Didier Zokora, Eugeneson Lyungdoh; Bikash Jairu, Jakichand Singh; Sanli Tuncay, Kalu Uche.
Key Battles
Chris Dagnall vs Roger Johnson
Dagnall scored in his last game for the Blasters and will be looking to do an encore this time around as well. The striker comes up against his fellow countryman Roger Johnson who was brilliant at the back for David Platt’s side.
Johnson will have to be at his very best to deny Dagnall from scoring. The forward is dangerous with his runs and his finishing and Johnson can perhaps be the only person standing between him and the goal.
Jakichand Singh vs Rahul Bheke
The Indian international has been a menace for defences down the right wing and on Wednesday he will be coming up against youngster Rahul Bheke. Both the lads have been doing well but for Jakichand, there is a lot to prove.
He was benched for the last game against Goa and will be keen to reproduce some of his early displays against the likes of Atletico de Kolkata. If he manages to put in a similar performance, then Bheke will have a tough job on his hands.
Match Prediction
Pune have always been woeful on their travels and that trend is expected to continue despite the side being joint top of the table. For Kerala, this is a big game and it is likely that they will respond.
Kerala Blasters 2-1 FC Pune City