ISL 2017: Bengaluru FC vs Kerala Blasters FC, Possible line-up
After back to back defeats at home, Bengaluru FC will be looking to return to winning ways when they face Kerala Blasters FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on New Year's Eve.
Bengaluru FC have lost both their matches at home due to last-minute lapses in concentration at the back. Albert Roca gave out a statement that "They did not do much to win the three points. The tie should have been a draw. What we tried today did not happen. For me, now it is to find solutions when we play that kind of team" after the match against Jamshedpur FC.
On the other hand, Kerala Blasters are unable to secure the wins and are currently 6th in the league. After 6 rounds of ISL, Kerala Blasters have won just 1 game out of 6 matches and have 4 draws.
The tension between the Manjappada and the West Block Blues has gained steam in the past and it will be interesting to see how it will shape up at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday. West Block Blues(WBB), a loyal Bengaluru FC fan base, have stated that they have made their way to Kerala in large numbers for this "Southern Derby".
Bengaluru FC:
Bengaluru FC initially had won 4 out of 5 games but now their tally has decreased to 4 out of 7 games after their 2 home defeats. Albert Roca’s side, however, has struggled a finishing touch in their recent games and will come into this fixture with a ‘must-win’ mentality.
Bengaluru FC have no injury concerns and most probably their will no changes in the squad. Bengaluru FC is expected to field their strong first team with the formation as much as like the previous match.
Formation: 4-3-3
Bengaluru FC probable XI:
Gurpreet Singh (GK)|| Rahul Bheke, Juanan, Subhasish Bose, Harmanjot Khabra|| Dimas Delgado, Erik Paartalu, Edu Garcia|| Sunil Chhetri(C), Udanta Singh, Miku
Kerala Blasters FC:
Kerala Blasters fought back to hold Chennaiyin FC wherein CK Vineeth scored deep into injury time to cancel an 89th minute opener in their last outing.
Kerala Blasters management has declared Rino Anto and Pritam Singh are out of this game. Rene Meulensteen, Kerala Blasters FC manager, confirmed that it is likely to take around two to three weeks for Anto to get back to full fitness.
Formation:4-2-3-1
Kerala Blasters FC probable XI:
Rachubka(GK)|| Shadap, Jhinghan, Lakic-Pesic, Lalruattara|| Brown, Hangal||Vineeth(C), Peckuson, Jackichand|| Sifneos
Match Verdict:
This match will be the battle of 2 heavy attack minded teams. Rino Anto will be a key absentee for Kerala Blasters and Bengaluru FC should able to muster a comfortable win.