Bengaluru FC face struggling Kerala Blasters in the Southern Derby

Blasters are yet to register a victory at the Kanteerava

Bengaluru FC are all geared up to host their southern counterparts, Kerala Blasters FC, on the 11th of April 2026, at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium for the highly anticipated southern derby clash of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26.

For Bengaluru FC, the match against Kerala Blasters FC stands as a golden ticket to secure a dominating victory and take themselves to the second position of the league table with 17 points.

As far as the Blasters are concerned, every game from now on is like a do-or-die battle for them, and if they do not manage to bag points in these upcoming clashes, the Tuskers are bound to be relegated to the Indian Football League.

Hence, even though it is an uphill task, the Blasters would be hoping for at least a draw against Bengaluru FC to keep themselves away from the relegation trap.

With both teams with contrasting results ready to lock horns on the 11th at 7:30 PM IST, the stakes are high, and so are the expectations from both sides.

The Stakes

Bengaluru FC

When the Blasters are fighting to prevent relegation, Bengaluru FC, on the other hand are currently eyeing the title. With four wins, two draws and a loss in their seven matches, the Blues are currently in the fourth position of the group table with 14 points.

Considering the current situation of the Blasters, Bengaluru FC would be hoping for nothing less than a win, which would provide them with the crucial three points midway through the season.

If they win the upcoming match, their title hopes would be reignited as they will have a total of 17 points, a point which would take them to the second position.

Bengaluru, therefore would be determined to fetch all three points in the sold out Kanteerava.

Kerala Blasters FC

Kerala Blasters FC, having not won any matches so far, are currently on the 13th position of the group table with just one point. Currently on the verge of being the first team ever to be relegated to the Indian Football League, Blasters have to desperately fight for points to prevent the former from happening.

Hence, Ashley Westwood would be hoping for at least a draw at Kanteerava, which would take the Blasters to two points.

Along with the point, the positive result would boost up the morale of the players, which could significantly help them in their upcoming matches.

Team News

Kerala Blasters FC have deregistered their striker Jai from their squad and have registered Karim Benarif to the squad, who will be available for selection for the upcoming match.

Additionally, Francisco Abalo has been added to the squad, replacing Marlon Roos Trujillo.

Victor, who had been suspended for three matches, has completed the suspension and will also be available for the match. Aiban, who received a red card in the match against SC Delhi, will not be available for the match. Apart from that, Blasters are expected to have their full roster for selection.

For Bengaluru FC, there are no major injury concerns or suspensions for the crucial southern derby encounter.

Predicted Lineup

Kerala Blasters FC (4-4-2)

Arsh (GK); Bikash Yumnam, Ndiaye Fallou, Hormipam, Naocha Singh; Vibin Mohanan, Danish Farooq, Karim Benarif, Matias Hernandes; Victor Bertemou, Muhammed Ajsal

Bengaluru FC (4-3-3)

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK); Nikhil Poojary, Rahul Bheke, Chinglensana Singh, Roshan Singh; Sirojiddin Kuziev, Braian Sánchez, Suresh Singh Wangjam; Sunil Chhetri, Ryan Williams, Ashique

Players to Watchout

Ryan Williams (Bengaluru FC)

The Bengaluru FC forward, Ryan Williams, will be the player to watch out for in the match against Kerala Blasters FC. After making a dream debut at Kochi in India’s AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers match against Hong Kong.

Even though Ryan has not had the best of the Indian Super League season, the striker would be hoping to build on the momentum and help his side get a dominating victory against the Blasters, who are currently in a struggling phase right now.

In their previous encounter against FC Goa, the performance displayed by Ryan Williams was unparalleled, and his overall contributions on the pitch helped Bengaluru FC neutralise the home advantage of FC Goa and start the second phase of the ISL after the international break on a positive note.

Karim Benarif (Kerala Blasters FC)

One of the Blasters’ latest recruits, Karim Benarif, who is expected to make his debut for the Tuskers, will be the player to watch out for in their clash against Bengaluru. Across his career, playing for clubs like FAR Rabat, FUS Rabat, Kerbala SC and many more, Benarif has accumulated consistent minutes in central midfield roles, contributing both in ball recovery phases and in initiating attacking transitions.

At the international level, Benarif has also been involved with Morocco’s A setup, earning selection during domestic-based national team camps.

A technically secure operator, Benarif is capable of dictating tempo from deeper areas while also supporting forward phases with late runs and link-up play.

His positional awareness and reading of the game are expected to add structure and balance to the Blasters’ midfield unit.

Head-to-Head Stats

• Matches – 20
• Bengaluru FC Win – 12
• Kerala Blasters FC – 4
• Draw – 4

Did you know?

• Kerala Blasters FC have not kept a clean sheet in this Indian Super League season.
• Blasters have scored the fewest goals this season (3).
• Out of 8 matches played at Kanteerava between the two sides, Bengaluru FC have won 7, and the remaining match ended in a draw.

Telecast details

The fixture of Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters is scheduled to be played on April 11th, 2026, at Sree Kanteerava. The match will begin at 07:30 PM IST.

Fans will be able to watch the match live on FanCode, which will stream all ISL fixtures during the 2025–26 season. Live television coverage of the match will be available on Sony TEN 2.

Outside India, in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025–26 matches will be live-streamed on the FanCode app.

Begin Watch is the official broadcast partner for the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025–26 season in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain. In all other remaining countries, live streaming will be available on the FanCode YouTube channel.

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