ISL 2023-24: Boosted Kerala Blasters face in-form Odisha FC

Kerala Blasters will be hoping to snap a streak of two games without a win.

Kerala Blasters welcome Odisha FC at the JLN Stadium in Kochi on 27 October 2023 in their next Indian Super League (ISL 2023-24) contest. The Yellow Army’s start to the 2023-24 season has blown hot and cold. As for the Kalinga Warriors, they have one win in their first three league fixtures which is becoming a cause of concern for the fans.

Both teams have not tasted victory in their last two Indian Super League games from the current campaign. They will look at the upcoming contest as an opportunity to finally collect some points and move up the ladder in the points table.

As Kerala Blasters prepare to host Odisha FC, here is a look at what to expect from the fixture:

The Stakes

Kerala Blasters

Kerala Blasters are under pressure to deliver. The side drew its previous ISL fixture against NorthEast United FC. It was a disappointing evening for the Yellow Army against the Highlanders where they should have capitalised on their numerous attacking chances and the backing of the home crowd. As the side is playing in its own backyard again, the pressure will be on them to secure a victory against an in-form Odisha FC.

Odisha FC

Odisha FC step into the fixture against Kerala Blasters following an impressive 6-1 win over Maziya S&RC in the AFC Cup. However, their ISL form is concerning with only one win from three games. The side needs to pick up momentum and keep up the pace with the leading pack in the league table.

Team News

Prabir Das and Milos Drincic will be unavailable for Kerala Blasters as they are suspended. Odisha FC will have a fit roster for this game.

Head to Head

Total Matches Played - 20

Kerala Blasters wins - 8

Odisha FC wins - 5

Draws - 7

Predicted Line-ups

Kerala Blasters (4-4-2):

Sachin Suresh (GK), Sandeep Singh, Hormipam Ruivah, Pritam Kotal, Naocha Huidrom Singh, Danish Farooq, Vibin Mohanan, Adrian Luna, Daisuke Sakai, Kwame Peprah, Dimitrios Diamantakos

Odisha FC (4-2-3-1)

Amrinder Singh (GK), Amey Ranawade, Mourtada Fall, Carlos Delgado, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Puitea, Ahmed Jahouh, Isak Vanlalruatfela, Roy Krishna, Cy Goddard, Diego Mauricio

Player to Watch

Danish Farooq (Kerala Blasters FC)

Danish Farooq scored for Kerala Blasters against NorthEast United to help the side secure a point. The midfielder is showing a hunger for both goals and contributions in the attacking third. His late runs into the box and threat in set-piece situations are proving to be helpful towards KBFC’s cause.

He has scored twice this season and is becoming a reliant figure in the midfield. If KBFC wish to win the upcoming game, then Farooq has to perform to his recent levels.

Mourtada Fall (Odisha FC)

There are few defenders who are as threatening in attack as they are in defence. Mourtada Fall loves to score goals, particularly with his head. He got himself a goal against Maziya in the AFC Cup game and managed to score twice against FC Goa in OFC’s last ISL outing.

Apart from his goal-scoring threat, Fall will be crucial in keeping Kerala Blasters' forwards in check. He will be the favourite to dominate aerial balls and win duels. It will be interesting to see how the hosts plan to breach the defensive line led by Fall and Carlos Delgado.

Did You Know?

• Both clubs have scored 26 goals in all of their previous meetings.
• Odisha FC have won only once in the last five meetings with KBFC.
• Odisha FC’s Cy Goddard interestingly scored his first professional goal against his current employers when he played for Mumbai City FC.

Telecast

The Kerala Blasters vs Odisha FC game will be played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi. Kick-off is at 8 PM IST. Live streaming and broadcast of the game will be available on the JioCinema app and Sports 18 Network (Sports18 1/VH1 channel), respectively. Viewers from abroad can tune into OneFootball for the broadcast.