ISL 2023-24: In form Kerala Blasters host Chennaiyin FC in high voltage clash

In head-to-head, both Kerala Blasters & Chennaiyin FC have won six games each.

Kerala Blasters FC welcomes Chennaiyin FC in their upcoming Indian Super League 2023-24 fixture. The contest is set to take place on 29 November at the JLN Stadium in Kochi. While the hosts will be hoping to extend their winning run to four games, the visitor’s goal will be to silence the home crowd and gain some sort of momentum.

History suggests that matches between Kerala Blasters FC and Chennaiyin FC are full of exciting moments and memorable performances. Therefore, there are high expectations from the fans who will back their respective club to produce a favourable result. One can safely assume the fixture to be full of entertainment due to high stakes on the line.

As KBFC prepares to host CFC at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, here is what to expect from the game:

The Stakes

Kerala Blasters

Kerala Blasters FC is flying high and sitting joint top in the league standings with 16 points from seven fixtures. The Yellow Army has won its last three league games consecutively and will be the favourites to come away with three points against the Marina Machans. Needless to say, this adds pressure on the hosts but Ivan Vukomanovic will ensure his players remain focused and aim to secure a win.

Chennaiyin FC

Chennaiyin FC seems to be stuck in second gear and struggling for rhythm in the ISL this year. The side has won only twice in seven games and barely avoided a defeat in their previous game against East Bengal FC. It will be a tough challenge for Owen Coyle to guide his side to a win, but notching a late equaliser in the previous game will be motivational for the players.

Injury & Team News

Kerala Blasters FC’s Jeakson Singh will be out of action owing to a long-term shoulder injury. Chennaiyin FC will be without their defender Ryan Edwards who received a red card after seeing two yellows in the game against East Bengal FC. Ajith Kumar may not feature after receiving a knock in the last fixture. 

Head to Head

Total Matches Played – 20

Kerala Blasters FC wins – 6

Chennaiyin FC wins – 6

Draws – 8

Predicted Lineups 

Kerala Blasters FC (4-4-2)

Sachin Suresh (GK), Pritam Kotal, Hormipam Ruivah, Milos Drincic, Naocha Huidrom Singh, Daisuke Sakai, Danish Farooq, Vibin Mohanan, Mohammed Aimen, Kwame Peprah, Adrian Luna

Chennaiyin FC (4-2-3-1)

Debjit Majumder (GK), Sachu Siby, Sarthak Golui, Bikash Yumnam, Ankit Mukherjee, Cristian Battocchio, Ayush Adhikari, Vincy Barretto, Rafael Crivellaro, Ninthoi Meetei, Jordan Murray

Player to Watch

Adrian Luna (Kerala Blasters FC)

Kerala Blasters FC’s captain leads by example and is their most consistent performer. The Yellow Army secured a 1-0 win thanks to Adrian Luna’s assist against Hyderabad FC. Apart from the goal contributions, Luna’s distribution and industry without the ball play a crucial role in KBFC’s overall performance. One can bet on him to be central to KBFC’s success this season and have a big influence in the game against Chennaiyin FC.

Rafael Crivellaro (Chennaiyin FC)

Rafael Crivellaro was the best performer for Chennaiyin FC in their 1-1 draw against East Bengal FC. The midfielder provided the assist for the late equaliser. He also delivered 11 crosses for his teammates to score. He plays a vital role in creating scoring chances from set-pieces for the side. Owen Coyle will rely on the Brazillian to deliver an outstanding performance once again if they are to come away from the JLN Stadium with a positive result.

Did You Know?

• Kerala Blasters FC has scored 28 goals while Chennaiyin FC has managed 25 goals in all of the meetings between the sides.
• Pritam Kotal has made 16 interceptions in the league (the most) before heading into the game.
• Both KBFC and CFC have reached the ISL Playoffs final on three occasions.

Telecast

The live streaming and broadcast of the game between Kerala Blasters FC and Chennaiyin FC will be available on the Jio Cinema app and Sports 18 channel. The kick-off is at 8:00 PM. 

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