ISL 2025-26: Kerala Blasters FC Predicted lineup for upcoming season

Kerala Blasters FC will be eying their maiden Indian Super League title

The Indian Super League 2025-26 is all set to kick off on the 14th of February, and what better way to start the campaign than the Indian El Clásico? The Kerala Blasters FC will face the defending champions, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, in the season opener at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata.

Kerala Blasters will enter the new season with renewed hopes of lifting their maiden silverware. Even though they have come so close to clinching the title multiple times, fate and luck have never sided with them. Now with a squad that has undergone complete restructuring, they will hope to build the title dreams brick by brick.

Though not the strongest side on paper, the Blasters squad has a decent mix of experienced and young players who could give it their all on their pitch and fetch valuable points for the club. However, there are a few players who rise above the others and potentially make it into the starting eleven in the upcoming season. Here’s a look at the predicted lineup of Kerala Blasters FC for the upcoming season.

Kerala Blasters FC Formation: 4-2-3-1

Goalkeeper – Sachin Suresh

The local keeper, Sachin Suresh, will be the first-choice shot-stopper for the Blasters for the Indian Super League 2025-26. Sachin first made his presence felt between the sticks in the 2023/24 season, where he displayed a remarkable performance. However, in an away match against Chennaiyin FC, the keeper sustained an injury, and since then, Sachin has struggled to get back to form.

Even though he started the previous season as the first-choice keeper, a rather passable performance meant that he was benched a few matches later. In the Super Cup 2025, too, it was Nora Fernandes who started for the Tuskers. However, following the departure of Nora to SC Delhi, Sachin becomes the most viable starting option.

Right Back – Sandeep Singh

In the right back position, Sandeep Singh emerges as the only option for the Blasters. The Manipuri defender has been associated with the Blasters since 2020 and has made 81 appearances for the club. The defender has been versatile and has provided some invaluable contributions for the club over the years.

Even though Sandeep Singh is not in his best form, if he could rise to the occasion and display a commendable performance, he could create a safe fortress in the right flank and could very well mitigate the absence of Amey Ranawade, who left the Blasters to join Mohun Bagan Super Giant this month.

Centre Back – Bikash Yumnam

The club captain, Bikash Yumnam, is expected to start as the Indian centre back this season. The defender joined the club in the January transfer window from Chennaiyin FC. From some of his very first appearances, he made a positive impression, standing strong at the defence, making some thumping clearances and blocks whenever the opponents tried to attack.

In the last home match played at the JLN Kochi, Kerala Blasters FC were facing Mumbai City FC, who were desperate for a win to qualify for the playoffs. In the dying minutes, when Mumbai kept knocking the Blasters’ doors back to back, Bikash kept his calm and even made a last-ditch save, which helped the Blasters seal three points at home. Even in the Super Cup 2025, Bikash had a decent performance, making him one of the obvious choices for David Catala to put in the centre-back role.

Centre Back – Oumar Bah

Oumar Bah, the latest foreign recruit of the Blasters, could potentially be the second centre back for the club. Standing at 1.90 metres tall, Oumar can provide Blasters with the aerial dominance whenever opponents create potential threats with set pieces. Being one of the tallest players in the Tuskers squad, Oumar can seamlessly dodge away from danger whenever the teams rely on long balls and crosses.

Having played his entire career in Spain, he also brings in experience playing in an organised defensive system and will have a deeper understanding of positioning and decision-making in the defensive third. If he could adapt quickly to the Indian conditions and combine well with his teammates, he could build a strong backline that the opponents would struggle to break past.

Left Back – Naocha Singh

Naocha Singh, over the years, has become a dependable player on the left flank. Having joined the club on a loan from Mumbai City, Naocha’s impressive talent made him one of the fan favourites and he was later signed by the Blasters on a permanent move.

With brilliant game awareness, Naocha can be a valuable asset for David Catala, as he could defend effectively and venture deep into the opponent’s half, carrying the ball when instructed. With Saheef, who started for the Super Cup, available as an alternative option for the left back position, Naocha must bring out his best performance to be a regular in the starting eleven.

Defensive Midfielder – Rowlin Borges

Rowlin Borges was the first recruit among the series of signings made by the Blasters in 2026 ahead of the upcoming ISL Season. The seasoned veteran has been a proven performer in the Indian Super League, having achieved the coveted domestic double, winning both the ISL Shield and the ISL Cup during his career. His understanding of high-pressure environments and title-winning demands brings a valuable perspective to the squad.

With a profile that prioritises structure, balance and control, Rowlin can be a trusted midfielder who could shield the defence and provide leadership to the young players in the squad. Playing in the DMF position, a position which David Catala has put a huge emphasis on throughout his career, Rowlin will have huge responsibilities on his shoulders in the yellow jersey.

Defensive Midfielder – Vibin Mohanan

Even though the Blasters have different alternatives to put forward with the likes of Freddy, Danish and Matias Hernandes, it is Vibin Mohanan who has a higher probability of making it into the starting eleven. Vibin joined the club in 2020, and his impressive talent meant that he was promoted to the senior team in 2022. Ever since then, the midfielder has made significant strides, showcasing his talent across several major competitions.

His noteworthy performance earned him a call-up in the India U23 squad, where the midfielder has made 8 appearance for the nation and even managed to net three goals to his name. Vibin can be a solid option in the middle third, which Catala can count on, and if he could combine well with Rowlin, they could act as defensive anchors, providing the autonomy for the full-backs and strikers to venture deep into the attacking third and knock on the opponents’ doors

Left Winger – Kevin Yoke

The French winger Kevin Yoke is expected to take up the position of left winger in the Kerala Blasters FC squad. The former PSG reserves player has extensive experience playing in the second divisions of French and Greek football, where he has made a notable impact. Primarily operating as a left winger, Kevin is equally capable on the right flank, offering versatility across the Blasters’ front line.

With a sharp focus on pace and creativity in the final third, Yoke’s addition is expected to augment the team’s offensive patterns and provide Head Coach David Català with additional options in wide-attacking rotations. Kevin demonstrated his attacking flair in the pre-season friendlies of the Blasters against Gokulam Kerala FC, and if he continues to contribute offensively with his trickery, he could very well mitigate the void left by Noah Sadoui.

Attacking Midfielder – Marlon Roos Trujillo

The former Germany U18 midfielder, Marlon, was the Blasters’ first international signing for the ISL 2025-26. Having played most of his football in Europe, Marlon arrives with a profile built around creativity and movement in the final third.

Alongside Rowllin Borges’ presence in midfield, Trujillo adds a different attacking dimension, one rooted in movement, awareness and chance creation. His European training and versatility provide Kerala Blasters with added depth in attacking areas, giving the coaching staff more options across various in-game situations over the course of the season.

Right Winger – Korou Singh

Korou Singh has been one of the brightest sparks for the Kerala Blasters FC in the previous season of the Indian Super League. The 19-year-old, with his pace and awareness, has created wonders for the Blasters whenever he stepped into the field. Last season, Korou netted two goals and assisted four goals, helping the Tuskers to create turnarounds and fetch valuable points. This performance in the league made him a regular in the India U23 squad.

His vision and quick decision-making have added a dynamic element to the Blasters’ attacking play. Coming on as a substitute in several matches, he injected energy and pace, effectively exploiting tired defences late in the games, making him one of the most suited players for the right winger position.

Striker – Victor Bertemou

Victor brings aerial and physical superiority to the Blasters. The Spaniard could potentially bring back the old-school number nine physicality to the men in yellow, which they have been lacking ever since the departure of Dimitrios Diamantakos. Additionally, his experience in Asian football could help him to quickly adapt to the Indian environment.

With natural poacher instincts, Victor can effectively press the opponent’s backline and force errors from their side. Victor also becomes a reliable option to anticipate loose balls and rebounds and convert them into goals, with his clinical ability to score in close range.

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