Preview: Kerala Blasters seek first win against FC Goa since 2016

The Gaurs are in fine form and will register a tough contest to the Yellow Army.

Kerala Blasters will play their sixth match in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Sunday, November 13, 2022. Being the home ground, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi will host the match in presence of thousands of yellow supporters. Kerala Blasters have won only two matches in this campaign, that too against the bottom two teams. Meanwhile, Carlos Pena's men have lost just one out of the total four matches they have played in.

In the current scenario, the Blasters can capitalise on the extra playoff spot as per the ISL’s revisions. Although Ivan Vukamanovic is well-versed in the nitty gritty of the League, he must repeat his magic once again this season. The side has a chance to reach the fourth position by beating Goa tomorrow.

Carlos Pena's FC Goa sit comfortably in the third position with nine points in their bag. The Spaniard will be aiming to extend this lead further on the point table as his team can climb to the second position with a win at Kochi.

The Stakes

Kerala Blasters

The Yellow Army had a dream start to the campaign with a 3-1 win against East Bengal in the inaugural match of the league. The team couldn't continue the brace as numerous errors made by the defensive department cost them some valuable points. Ivan couldn't create a striking duo upfront and the newly signed foreign strikers are still not risen up for the challenge. A huge defeat by 5-2 against the Kolkata giants ATK Mohun Bagan and a 2-0 defeat against Mumbai made several fans question the board.

To the relief of the Serbian, his men have managed a 3-0 win against NorthEast United. The team will now be looking forward to rebuild the momentum with the confidence gained from the previous match.

FC Goa

Carlos Pena aided FC Goa are currently in a transition phase. His team is performing well amidst a narrow loss against the current table-topper Hyderabad FC. Pena's prime objective this season will be to reach the playoffs, taking one step at a time. The Gaurs must take this match on a serious note, as the three points can lift them up to the second position in the points table.

Team News

Kerala Blasters have a fully fit roster to field against FC Goa and Ivan Vukamanovic will have to get creative and cautious to select this best line-up.

For FC Goa, Dheeraj Singh is training with the side. So, Arshdeep Singh remains as the most favoured custodian to start against the Blasters. Fares Arnaout is also out of this encounter alongside fellow centre-back Marc Valiente.

Head-to-Head

Kerala Blasters and FC Goa have met each other on 16 occasions. Kerala Blasters managed to win on three of those outings while FC Goa emerged victorious nine times. The sides shared points on four occasions.

Probable Line-ups

Kerala Blasters: Prabhsukhan Gill (GK); Harmanjot Khabra, Victor Mongil, Marko Leskovic, Sandeep Singh; Rahul KP, Puitea, Jeakson Singh, Adrian Luna; Sahal Abdul Samad, Dimitrios Diamantakos.

FC Goa: Arshdeep Singh (GK); Seriton Fernandes, Anwar Ali, Glan Martins, Aiban Dohling; Edu Bedia, Ayush Chhetri; Iker Guarrotxena, Brandon Fernandes, Noah Sadaoui; Alvaro Vazquez.

Man to Watch

Rahul KP

The Malayali local talent Rahul KP has been phenomenal so far for the Blasters this season. Rahul has managed to outshine amidst the unfavourable situations.

He has featured in all the five matches for the Yellow Army and has managed to bag one goal and two assists in the current campaign. Pace and agility are the traits this youngster possesses. With him in the wings, Kerala Blasters can create a number of chances in the final third.

Alvaro Vazquez

Kerala fans will be eyeing the performance of their former star Alvaro Vazquez in Kochi. Vazquez was a fundamental part of the team which went on to play the finals last season.

Currently, Alvaro is a gaur who plays for the Goan badge. For Goa, Alvaro played a total of two matches and has an assist to his name. He will be eyeing to break his duck with a goal against his former team on Sunday.

Did You Know?

• Succeeding 2016, Kerala Blasters couldn't register a win against FC Goa till this date.

• Jessel Carneiro will mark his 50th ISL appearance for Kerala if he plays against the Gaurs.

• Both manager Carlos Pena and midfielder Edu Bedia played for Real Oviedo in the Spanish league and FC Goa in the Indian Super League.

Telecast

The live telecast of the Kerala Blasters vs FC Goa match will be available on the Star Sports Network. The live stream of the fixture can be viewed on Disney+Hotstar and JioTV. Kick-off is at 7:30 PM IST on Sunday at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi.