Kerala Blasters vs Chennaiyin FC lineups, team news, prediction & preview

The Southern Derby promises to be a thrilling, end-to-end clash between the fierce rivals.

Kerala Blasters will host Chennaiyin FC in their next home game of Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi on November 24 (Sunday).

This fixture last season was an eventful night as Kochi witnessed an end-to-end game. The Marina Machans took the lead in the very first minute through a cheeky goal by Rahim Ali. Kerala equalized through a spot kick from Dimitrios Diamantakos, but Chennaiyin quickly responded with another penalty, slotted home by Jordan Murray.

Chennaiyin extended their lead with Murray scoring his second of the game against his old club, while Kwame Peprah pulled one back for the Blasters before halftime.

The Tuskers came back stronger in the second half and equalized with a banger from Dimitrios Diamantakos in the 59th minute of the game. However, the game ended 3-3, with both sides failing to seal the winner despite having several chances.

Stakes

Kerala Blasters

Kerala Blasters’ struggles continue as they suffered three consecutive defeats against Bengaluru FC, Mumbai City FC, and Hyderabad FC, leaving them at the bottom of the table. They will aim to bounce back from this setback with a strong performance in the derby, returning fresh from the international break to turn things around.

Chennaiyin FC

Chennaiyin FC enter the derby as the stronger team, coming off a dominant 5-1 victory against Jamshedpur FC and a draw at home against the defending champions, Mumbai City. They are currently fourth in the table, and Owen Coyle’s side will be aiming for all three points to climb to second place.

Injury and Team News

Kerala Blasters

There are no serious injury concerns in the Kerala Blasters camp, while Khwame Peprah comes back from suspension for the derby.

Chennaiyin FC

Chennaiyin have no serious injury concerns and will have a strong squad available for the derby.

Head-to-head

Matches Played: 22

Kerala Blasters wins: 6

Chennaiyin FC wins: 7

Draws: 9

Predicted Lineups

Kerala Blasters FC (4-3-3)

Som Kumar (GK); Sandeep Singh, Pritam Kotal, Alexandre Coeff, Huidrom Naocha Singh; Vibin Mohanan, Freddy Lallawmawma, Adrian Luna; Korou Singh Thingujam, Noah Sadaoui, Jesus Jimenez

Chennaiyin FC (4-3-3)

Mohammad Nawaz (GK); PC Laldinpuia, Bikash Yumnam, Ryan Edwards, Laldinliana Renthlei; Connor Shields, Elsinho Diaz, Farukh Choudhary; Vincy Barretto, Irfan Yadwad, Wilmar Jordan Gil

Players to Watch

Jesus Jimenez (Kerala Blasters)

Jesus Jimenez has been one of the most consistent players for the Blasters, extending his tally to seven goals and one assist in eight appearances, averaging a goal contribution per game.

With Noah Sadaoui and Khwame Peprah returning, Jimenez will aim for another exceptional performance in front of goal for the Tuskers.

Wilmar Jordan Gil (Chennaiyin FC)

Just like his counterpart, Wilmar Jordan Gil too is on a scoring spree for the Marina Machans, tallying six goals in eight appearances in the season. The Colombian will be eager to mark his derby debut against rivals Kerala Blasters with a goal.

Did you know?

• The matches between Kerala Blasters and Chennaiyin FC are known as the “Southern Derby,” highlighting the fierce rivalry between the two teams from South India.
• One of Kerala Blasters’ heaviest league defeats came against Chennaiyin FC, as they lost 6-3 away in the 2019-20 season.
• Kerala Blasters have failed to keep a clean sheet against Chennaiyin FC in their last four meetings.

Telecast details

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 fixture between Kerala Blasters and Chennaiyin FC will take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on 24 November. The match will kick off at 7:30 PM IST.

The match will be telecast live on Sports 18 and will be available for streaming on Jio Cinema. International viewers can also watch the match on the OneFootball app.

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