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

Both teams will aim to get back on track when they meet in the ISL on Sunday.

Kerala Blasters are suffering in the Indian Super League as their performance in the second leg has been very poor. The Tuskers will take on FC Goa in Kochi on Sunday, February 25. On the other side, Manolo Marquez’s side suffered two consecutive defeats recently and are struggling with their form. Both teams will be eager to get something from the match as they don’t want to go behind in the Shield race. This will be a mouth-watering clash for sure.

On that note, let’s take a look at what his fixture has on line:

The Stakes

Kerala Blasters

The home side will want to get back to winning ways as they face very tough competition in the points table. They are surely low on confidence but with a win, they can completely change their fortune and can once again go into the top four. But they will face a side who are also low on confidence as the Gaurs suffered two consecutive defeats at their home.

FC Goa

Goa suffered two shocking defeats at their home, as they lost to both Mohun Bagan and NorthEast United. After being undefeated for so long and now suffering two successive defeats have surely hampered the team’s confidence.

Key players like Noah and Carlos Martinez’s performances have also been a huge disappointment which has led to the Gaurs not scoring in the last two outings. They will face a good team away from home and it will be a great challenge for them. If they win this match, then surely they will be once again back in the ISL Shield race.

Injury and Team News

For Kerala Blasters, many key players will be unavailable. Adrian Luna and Kwame Peprah are out for the whole season. Sachin Suresh dislocated his shoulders in the previous match against Chennaiyin FC and will be out for a significant duration.

FC Goa will miss the defensive powerhouse Sandesh Jhingan, who is sidelined by a major knee injury which he suffered during the AFC Asian Cup 2023.

Head-to-Head

Matches Played: 19

FC Goa Wins: 11

Kerala Blasters Wins: 4

Draws: 4

Predicted Lineups

Kerala Blasters (4-4-2):

Karanjit Singh (GK); Sandeep Singh, Pritam Kotal, Marko Leskovic, Naocha Singh; Daisuke Sakai, Danish Farooq, Jeakson Singh, Mohammed Aimen; Emmanuel Justine, Fedor Cernych

FC Goa (4-2-3-1):

Arshdeep Singh (GK); Seriton Fernandes, Odei Onaindia, Carl McHugh, Jay Gupta; Rowllin Borges, Raynier Fernandes; Mohammad Yasir, Brandon Fernandes, Noah Sadaoui; Carlos Martinez

Players to Watch

Daisuke Sakai (Kerala Blasters)

Sakai possesses exceptional speed, a crucial asset for exploiting defensive vulnerabilities and launching swift counter-attacks. His adept dribbling skills enable him to navigate through tight defensive lines, creating goal-scoring opportunities. Sakai’s strong work ethic translates into consistent efforts on the field, aiding in both offensive and defensive aspects.

Noah Sadaoui (FC Goa)

Noah dazzles on the field as a versatile winger, showcasing a rare talent – no weaker foot to limit him, conquering both wings with finesse. When his team charges forward, he dominates the wide expanses, hugging the by-line to test rival defences. He also seamlessly glides into the half-spaces, orchestrating the attack with skilful receptions and build-up prowess. He relentlessly presses up the pitch, compelling opponents into errors.

Did you Know?

• Carlos Martinez is FC Goa’s top-scorer in ISL 2023-24 with five goals.
• The most common result of matches between Kerala Blasters and FC Goa is 1-3. Three matches have ended in this scoreline.
• Kerala Blasters don’t have a clean-sheet in their last five games this season.

Telecast

The Kerala Blasters vs FC Goa game kicks off at 07:30 PM (IST), at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kerala on February 25, 2024. Live telecast of this ISL fixture will be available on the 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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