Kerala Blasters FC predicted lineup for ISL 2024-25

The Tuskers’ loyal fans have started piling pressure on the club.

With only a few days left before the 11th season of the Indian Super League (ISL) begins, fans are eagerly waiting. However, for Kerala Blasters FC, the mood is a mix of feelings. The team are entering the season with a new head coach, Mikael Stahre, after a tough time in the Durand Cup, where they lost in the quarter-finals to Bengaluru FC.

This early loss has put extra pressure on the team as they get ready for the ISL, especially from their passionate fanbase, who are increasingly frustrated by the club’s inability to secure a title despite being one of the founding members of the league.

The Blasters are the only team in the ISL that hasn’t won a major title. After their tough exit from the Durand Cup, the team has been focusing on a series of friendlies to fine-tune their approach for the ISL, yielding some positive results. But while pre-season preparations have shown promise, much of the concern from analysts and fans stems from the club’s transfer window, which many feel has not adequately addressed key areas in the squad.

The Blaster’s transfer window has caused a heated debate among fans and football experts. On one hand, players like Noah Sadaoui and Jesús Jiménez have brought hope to the team, on the other hand, the team couldn’t find decent alternatives to the midfielders like Jeakson Singh and Sahal Abdul Samad. The speculation arises as to whether Kerala has enough depth to be a serious title challenger.

Despite these concerns, on paper, Kerala Blasters have assembled a squad capable of mounting a significant title charge. The Blasters might well be the dark horse in the league. The team will likely adopt a 4-3-3 system which will be effective in terms of attacking as well as maintaining a strong defense line. Let’s see how Kerala Blasters FC can shape up with their new signings:

Kerala Blasters Predicted Lineup (Formation: 4-3-3)

Goalkeeper – Sachin Suresh

Last year, Sachin Suresh emerged as one of the most reliable goalkeepers in the league. His heroic performance saved the Kerala Blasters on several occasions. Unfortunately, Sachin’s season was cut short when he sustained a shoulder injury during an away fixture against Chennaiyin FC in February, forcing him to miss the remainder of the season.

Sachin made his return during the 2024 Durand Cup, playing in the match against Bengaluru FC, where the team was ultimately knocked out. However, his presence was reassuring, and the club has high expectations for him going into the ISL. He is likely to be the starting goalkeeper, and his performances will be crucial for the Blaster’s defensive solidity.

Right Back – Naocha Singh

One of the star players from last season is Manipuri wing-back, Naocha Singh. He was on loan from Mumbai City FC and appeared in 16 games for the squad, proving his worth as a wing-back. His adeptness in both attacking and defending helped the team change their strategy during unexpected games.

Kerala Blasters signed Naocha after his loan spell ended, for one year. He should be just as vital this year, defending and also helping out on offence, and providing the width on the right flank that the team will need.

Centre Back – Alexandre Coeff

French defender Alexandre Coeff is another vital inclusion in this season’s Kerala Blasters. He is a veteran in the game, and due to his versatility, he can master any of the defensive positions, which in turn makes him an asset to the squad. Coeff who had only just a while, played as a centre-back at one point in the Durand Cup but then had a chance to show his abilities in more of a holding defensive midfield position in preseason friendlies.

Coeff’s ability to read the game and control the defensive line will be vital in Kerala Blasters’ attempt to strengthen their defence, an area that has been criticized in recent seasons.

Centre Back – Pritam Kotal

Pritam Kotal, the most-capped player in ISL history, will offer his experience and his leadership as he joins the team’s defence line. While his performance last season was not up to his usual high standards, the club and its fans hope Kotal will be inspired to put up a more constant performance and will bolster the backline.

The influence of Kotal and his extensive knowledge of the league will eventually bring some balance to the team and with the impact of the new faces in the team, he might become an integral part of the team as well.

Left-Back – Aibanbha Dohling

Aibanbha Dohling was brought to Kerala Blasters from FC Goa last season, but his campaign was interrupted by an injury in the initial stage. He suffered an injury just after three matches having stayed away from the remaining part of the season then. However, he came back to compete in the 2024 Durand Cup, where he contributed his efforts in three matches and one assist.

Aiban is expected to be the starting left-back this season, and his solid defensive skills, combined with his ability to contribute going forward, make him a valuable asset. His return to full fitness is a major boost for the Blasters.

Defensive Midfield – Freddy Lallawmawma

Young midfielder Freddy Lallawmawma has a big task ahead of him this season. Signed from Punjab FC, where he played a crucial role in their I-League-winning campaign, Lallawmawma will need to fill the void left by Jeakson Singh’s departure.

Lallawmawma has already made a positive impression with his performances in the Durand Cup, starting every game for the Blasters. His hard work and determination are going to be vital in protecting the back four and in helping the team move from defence to offence.

Defensive Midfielder – Vibin Mohanan

Kerala local talent, Vibin Mohanan is a player who has been a revelation last season, thus making his place a sure bet for a bright future in the ISL. His skills in controlling the pace of the game and sending precise balls played a significant role in his becoming an integral part of the team. Vibin managed to secure the Emerging Player of the Month award in November of 2023 through his impressive performances.

Even though Vibin last season was late due to an injury, he was performing again by the time the Blasters participated in the Durand Cup, and thus his midfield role is a given this season. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively makes him a versatile option for coach Mikael Stahre.

Center Midfielder – Adrián Luna

The Uruguayan midfield magician Adrián Luna stands out as a key player for Kerala Blasters. He controls the game’s rhythm, sparks creativity, and spots game-changing passes others miss. Luna grabbed attention last season scoring 13 goals and setting up 17 in his 53 matches for the team. However, an injury in December sidelined him for several weeks cutting his season short.

Luna has since extended his stay with Kerala Blasters until 2027 showing how much he and the team value each other. Fans can’t wait to see him back on the field, and Luna aims to guide the team to victory with his signature style and technical prowess.

Right Winger – Rahul KP

One of the local favorites, Rahul KP had a forgettable season last year, coming way below what was expected from him. However, the young winger has already proven over recent years just what he is about and how much of a genuine attacking threat he poses against the opposition.

His pace, and dribbling ability, as well as a knack for scoring timely goals, cause problems in opponent defences. If Rahul can regain his form, then he will be a player to watch out for on the right, giving Kerala an exciting attacking edge.

Left Winger – Noah Sadaoui

Noah Sadaoui, the Moroccan forward, has already made a mark on Indian Football. His move to Kerala Blasters is causing quite an excitement. He was impressive in the Durand Cup by scoring six goals and providing two assists, finishing as his team’s top goal-scorer.

Having already played in the ISL with FC Goa, Sadaoui will add real quality to the Blasters’ forward line. His pace, finishing, and trickery will be a key weapon in the team’s quest for success in this campaign.

Centre Forward – Jesús Jiménez

Kerala Blasters’ latest recruit, Jesús Jiménez, is expected to lead the line for the team this season. Jiménez boasts a plethora of experience in various countries such as Spain, Poland, Canada, and Greece. Górnik Zabrze in Poland is where he had the most productive days of his football career, managing 37 goals in 121 matches.

Jiménez will need to adapt quickly to his new surroundings, but his goal-scoring pedigree suggests that he could be a crucial player for the Blasters. If he can specialize in finding the net from the start, Jiménez could become one of the elite forwards in ISL.

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