Bengaluru FC vs Kerala Blasters FC lineups, team news, prediction and preview

The Blues will be looking to get back on track with a win over the Tuskers.

Indian Super League (ISL) club Bengaluru FC are gearing up to face a misfiring Kerala Blasters FC side in match week 11 of the 2024-25 season. The match between the squads is scheduled to be played at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Saturday (December 7).

Bengaluru FC are coming on the back of a humbling 4-2 loss against Odisha FC at the Kalinga Stadium. Kerala Blasters FC are coming on the back of a close loss against FC Goa. Both teams are going to be searching for a win as they look to get back to winning games.

The Stakes

Bengaluru FC

Gerard Zaragoza’s men currently hold the second spot in the ISL standings at the moment with 20 points after 10 games. A humiliating loss against Odisha FC has left the team and their Spanish head coach with more questions than answers. Away form will be a huge cause for concern for the Blues who have recorded two wins, two losses and a draw.

Following the last game, defensive solidity will be an area that Gerard Zaragoza will be hoping to shore up in the remaining games. While they will be at home, facing a Kerala Blasters FC team desperate for a win will be a huge challenge.

Kerala Blasters FC

Mikael Stahre’s side currently hold the 10th position in the ISL standings with 11 points after 10 games. A narrow 1-0 loss to Manolo Marquez-led FC Goa at their home would have been a tough pill to swallow for Stahre’s men. The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi has not been the fortress for Kerala this season as they have won 2 games out of a possible 6 games.

Kerala have conceded the third most goals of any ISL team in the league this season. They will be facing a Bengaluru FC challenge that they haven’t been able to solve in the past 11 outings. Another away game will provide Stahre the license to take the pressure off the players and express themselves.

Injury & Team News

Bengaluru FC are entering the match with a full squad while the Kerala Blasters FC will be missing left-back Aibanbha Dohling with a knee injury.

Head-to-head

Matches Played – 18

Bengaluru FC – 11

Kerala Blasters FC– 4

Draws – 3

Predicted Lineups

Kerala FC (4-3-3)

Sachin Suresh (GK); Sandeep Singh, Hormipam Ruivah, Milos Drincic, Huidrom Naocha Singh; Vibin Mohanan, Freddy Lallawmawma, Adrian Luna; Korou Singh Thingujam, Noah Sadaoui, Jesus Jimenez

Bengaluru FC (4-4-2)

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK); Chinglensana Singh, Aleksandar Jovanovic, Rahul Bheke, Naorem Roshan Singh; Rohit Danu, Alberto Noguera, Pedro Capo, F Lalremtluanga; Edgar Mendez, Sunil Chhetri

Players to Watch

Sunil Chhetri (Bengaluru FC)

The veteran again showed his class in their last game against Odisha FC and put in another solid performance. The Indian legend has scored five goals so far in ten matches. He is also the top scorer for his side while closely followed by Spaniard Edgar Mendez with four goals.

Chhetri is a shining light for Bengaluru and his performances at age 40. The Indian legend’s presence in the side has been the key to Bengaluru FC’s energetic performance in the ongoing season. Head coach Gerard Zaragoza will be hoping Chhetri can again lead the side by example against Kerala.

Korou Singh (Kerala Blasters FC)

Korou Singh will be a key player for Kerala ahead of their crucial Matchweek 11 clash against Bengaluru FC. A player known for his electrifying pace and ability to take on defenders, Singh has become a vital cog in Kerala’s attacking setup. He has a knack for delivering dangerous crosses and cutting inside to create goal-scoring opportunities making him a constant threat to opposition defenders.

Facing a determined Bengaluru FC side, Korou’s performance could be pivotal in breaking through their vulnerable backline. Singh’s work rate and willingness to track back defensively also highlight his versatility on the pitch. The Tuskers will hope the young winger can help them bounce back and secure crucial points away from home.

Did You Know?

• Bengaluru FC haven’t lost in any of their last eight matches.
• Kerala Blasters FC haven’t won any of their last 3 matches against Bengaluru FC.
• The average number of goals in meetings between Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters FC is 2.6.

Telecast

The 2024-25 Indian Super League match between Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters FC will take place at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, on Saturday (7 December).

It will kick off at 7:30 PM IST. The match will be shown live on Sports 18 and be available for streaming on Jio Cinema. International viewers can also watch the match on the OneFootball app.

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