ISL 2023-24: Chennaiyin FC vs Kerala Blasters: Preview, Predicted lineup, injury news, H2H, telecast details

Kerala Blasters haven’t lost to Chennaiyin FC in their last seven clashes.

Chennaiyin FC will host Kerala Blasters FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Friday. With an effort to regain their lost momentum from the past, the hosts will be trying to improve their league table standings while the visitors are hoping to lock up a play-off spot in the ISL 2023-24.

To improve their league table standings and regain momentum after their current state of turmoil, the hosts must win their remaining games and hope for positive outcomes. Meanwhile, the visitors are in a much stronger position to secure a playoff spot. These requirements will undoubtedly pressure both teams and keep fans interested in the game.

What to anticipate from the Chennaiyin FC vs Kerala Blasters FC ISL match on February 16, 2024, is as follows:

The Stakes

Chennaiyin FC

With the season’s second leg already underway, Chennaiyin FC is left with nine games in their ISL 2023–24 campaign. Despite the possibility of statistical interference, the two-time ISL champions need to win to stake a solid claim to one of the six spots that guarantee a play-off trip.

They have already lost their first two games after the season break and losing another fixture will force the Marina Machans to take the back seat. After just three victories in 13 games this season, they are currently ranked 11th in the table.

Kerala Blasters FC

Kerala Blasters will advance significantly in their quest for playoff qualification if they defeat Chennaiyin FC. 26 points have been earned by the team from 14 games. To put it mildly, their recent performance has been lackluster.

The Yellow Army’s poor form has continued since the conclusion of the first leg of the Indian top flight, and supporters are concerned as they have only triumphed once in their last five games in the ISL 2023–24 season.

Injury Update and Team News

As of now, both teams’ rosters are healthy, and there is no new information regarding injury updates.

Head-to-Head

Total matches played – 21

Chennaiyin FC wins – 6

Kerala Blasters FC wins – 6

Draws – 9

Predicted Line-ups

Chennaiyin FC (4-1-4-1)

Debjit Majumder (GK), Aakash Sangwan, Sarthak Golui, Ryan Edwards, Ankit Mukherjee, Mobashir Rahman, Rahim Ali, Rafael Crivellaro, Conor Shields, Ninthoinganba Meetei, Jordan Murray

Kerala Blasters FC (4-4-2)

Sachin Suresh (GK), Huidrom Singh, Milos Drincic, Ruivah Hormipam, Pritam Kotal, Daisuke Sakai, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Mohammed Azhar, Rahul Kannoly Praveen, Dimitrios Diamantakos, Fedor Cernych

Players to watch

Rafael Crivellaro (Chennaiyin FC)

Playing right behind the forwards, the Brazilian is Chennaiyin FC’s mainstay in the midfield. With his quick footwork, ability to get out of tight spaces, eye for a pass, ability to slow down the game and break open a defense with his timely deliveries, he is essentially the director of everything that happens on the Marina Machans’ front line. He makes sure the team never lacks creative input.The 34-year-old’s numbers also demonstrate these qualities; thus far this season, he has racked up three goals and five assists.

Pritam Kotal (Kerala Blasters FC)

Pritam Kotal is one of Kerala Blasters FC’s most important acquisitions. The seasoned defender has made 12 tackles, 22 clearances, and 27 interceptions so far, helping them maintain four clean sheets. Among players who have played an average of seven games, he has made the most interceptions in the league so far.To keep the Yellow Army’s defensive unit cohesive, Pritam Kotal will be essential and Owen Coyle and his think tank will need to come up with special strategies to get past him during the game.

Did You Know?

• Chennaiyin FC haven’t scored in their last two games this season.

• Kerala Blasters haven’t lost to Chennaiyin FC in their last 7 outings.

• Kerala Blasters don’t have a clean-sheet in their last 5 games this season.

Telecast

The match between Chennaiyin FC and Kerala Blasters FC will be telecasted live from 7:30 PM at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai on 16th February, 2024. Live telecast of the fixture will be available on Sports18 Network (Sports18 1/VH1 Channel). Live streaming of the game will be available on the JioCinema app. Viewers from abroad can use OneFootball to stream the game.

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