Bengaluru FC vs Kerala Blasters: Three Battles to Watch in the Southern Derby eliminator

A huge game first up to trial the new ISL playoffs format.

In the first-ever knockout game in the Indian Super League (ISL) playoffs, Bengaluru FC will host Kerala Blasters at the Sree Kanteerava on Friday. The stakes are high for the game, with a place in the ISL playoffs against Mumbai City FC lying await.

If there was any ideal fixture to kick start this new ISL playoff format, it was this one. The Southern Derby is one of the most intense fixtures in the Indian football calendar. The Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters fans cannot stand each other. A fiery rivalry has developed between the players as well.

Something has got to give in this one. The Blues reigned supreme in these two teams’ last game in the ISL. But this is a totally different game with a lot riding on it. It means both BFC and the Yellow Army will put everything on the line just to get a win. A thrilling, closely-fought clash can be expected and there will be a number of interesting duels that take place on the pitch.

These battles will be crucial in deciding which team reigns supreme and which players want to win just a bit more than the others. So let’s look at the three battles to watch in the Bengaluru FC vs Kerala Blasters clash.

3. Adrian Luna vs Javi Hernandez

The majority of Bengaluru FC - Kerala Blasters games in recent years have been really tight affairs. The two teams are mostly separated by one goal. Due to this being a derby, the tensions are high and physicality is often on display. That is why the cooler heads are likely to prevail in this clash. The midfield battle in this encounter should be a really tight affair in which only that special something from one player can help break the other side.

The majority of Bengaluru FC-Kerala Blasters games in recent years have been really tight affairs. The two teams are mostly separated by one goal. Due to this being a derby, the tensions are high and physicality is often on display. That is why the coolest heads are likely to prevail in this clash. The midfield battle in this encounter should be a really tight affair in which only that special something from one player can help break the other side.

Adrian Luna and Javi Hernandez have both made impressive impacts for their respective sides this season. Luna is, of course, been highly influential for Kerala in terms of creating chances and helping them dominate games. Hernandez loves the ball in his feet and aims to send his teammates through with his exceptional range of passing, while his set-piece delivery is top notch too. Both players will probably be tasked to put in more defensive contribution to try and neutralize the threat of one another.

This back-and-forth between the two smart, unpredictable players should be an enticing one. Whoever comes out on top to help their side win the midfield battle can help give them a major advantage and help them create more genuine scoring chances.

This back-and-forth between the two smart, unpredictable players should be an enticing one. Whoever comes out on top to help their side win the midfield battle can help give them a major advantage and help them create more genuine scoring chances too.

2. Dimitrios Diamantakos vs Sandesh Jhingan

The Kerala Blasters' top scorer Dimitrios Diamantakos had a bit of a slow start to the season but has improved as the campaign progressed. The center-forward has 10 goals so for the Blasters and is constantly on the prowl. He always seems to get in the right positions in the final third, with his finishing being precise.

Moreover, Diamantakos’ clever movement and link-up play can also confuse defenders and move them out of their positions. But the Greek striker will go up against Sandesh Jhingan – who has been one of ISL’s best defenders this season. Jhingan is a seasoned veteran who has played against a lot of threatening foreign strikers. The India international has maintained a sturdy backline for BFC during their eight-game winning streak.

The Blues have only conceded six goals in the last eight games, mostly due to Jhingan’s heroics. Sandesh is dominant in the air and can read the game really sharply. He’ll stick to Diamantakos like glue and look to neutralize his threat, in turn also impact Blasters’ goal output. The Greek striker has to use his experience to outwit Jhingan – in what should be a feisty battle in the BFC half.

1. Sivasakthi Narayanan vs Hormipam Ruivah

It’s a refreshing sight to witness one of the most eye-catching battles in a major ISL game involving two young Indian stars. That is exactly what will happen in the Bengaluru FC-Kerala Blasters clash when Sivasakhthi Narayanan faces Hormipam Ruivah. The two are highly regarded as important players for the future of the Indian national team.

But on Friday, both will be focused on the present reality and win the game for their side. In their last encounter, Ruivah was able to keep Siva relatively quiet. However, the BFC striker has been on fire this season – being one of the best Indian forwards in the ISL. Siva’s unpredictable off-the-ball movement and expert finishing have fetched him six goals so far. He’s been a menace up front, with his exciting chemistry with Roy Krishna causing chaos for opposition sides.

However, Ruivah is not one to be daunted by a challenge. He’ll aim to again keep Siva quiet, keep a tight mark on him and not give him an inch of space in the final third. This intricate battle between two hungry, energetic young players should be one to behold and one which potentially decides the outcome.