Kerala Blasters vs Mohammedan SC lineups, team news, prediction & preview

The Tuskers face off against the Black Panthers, with both teams desperate for a win.

Kerala Blasters are set to lock horns with Mohammedan SC in their next home game of Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi on December 22 (Sunday).

The away leg of this fixture was a glorious night for the Blasters as they pulled off a second-half comeback after trailing in the first half, to secure a 2-1 win against the Black Panthers.

A late challenge from Som Kumar led to the Tuskers conceding a penalty, which was converted by Mirjalol Kasimov to give Mohammedans the lead.

Kerala Blasters responded well in the second half, with Kwame Peprah netting the equalizer into an open goal. Jesus Jimenez’s header, delivered at the near post from a delicate cross by Naocha Singh, sealed the victory for the Blasters, completing a second-half turnaround.

Stakes

Kerala Blasters

Kerala Blasters come into this game on the back of three consecutive league defeats. They have secured only a single victory in their last seven fixtures, with the remaining six games ending in defeat. With a managerial change called for by the desperate situation in the Blasters camp, a victory here is crucial for the team’s morale and their position in the table.

Mohammedan SC

Mohammedan SC find themselves in a similar crisis, currently positioned at the bottom of the table. The Black Panthers have not tasted victory in their last eight league fixtures. A win here is crucial for them to avoid finishing at the bottom of the table.

Injury and Team News

Kerala Blasters

One of their most consistent players of the season, Vibin Mohanan is still out with injury for the Blasters leaving a huge void in the middle of the park.

Mohammedan SC

Mohammed Irshad is unavailable due to a suspension for Mohammedan SC, after seeing a red card in their last game against Mumbai City FC. Gaurav Bora and Joseph Adjei are injured and will not be available for the fixture. However, Cesar Lobi Manzoki has recovered from his injury, resumed training with the team, and will be available for the match against the Blasters.

Head-to-Head

Matches Played: 2

Kerala Blasters wins: 1

Mohammedan SC wins: 1

Draws: 0

Predicted Lineups

Kerala Blasters FC (3-4-3)

Som Kumar (GK); Hormipam Ruivah, Milos Drincic, Huidrom Naocha Singh; Sandeep Singh, Danish Farooq, Freddy Lallawmawma, Muhammed Shaheef; Adrian Luna, Noah Sadaoui, Jesus Jimenez

Mohammedan SC (4-3-3)

Bhaskar Roy (GK); Vanlalzuidika Chhakchhuak, Joe Zoherliana, Florent Ogier, Zodingliana Ralte; Amarjit Kiyam, Mirjalol Kasimov, Alexis Gomez; Lalremsanga Fanai, Cesar Lobi Manzoki, Makan Chothe

Players to Watch

Jesus Jimenez (Kerala Blasters)

Despite the poor performances from the team, Jesus Jimenez has consistently found the net for the Blasters throughout this season.

The Spanish striker has tallied nine goals and an assist in eleven appearances, currently sitting second in the league’s top scorers. His work rate off the ball has helped the Blasters score goals out of nothing and has made him one of the most exceptional players in the league, rising from a struggling team.

Mirjalal Kasimov (Mohammedan SC)

Mirjalal Kasimov has been one of the silver linings this season for Mohammedan SC. His only goal in the league came in the home game against the Blasters, and with Cesar Manzoki returning to the squad, he will be expected to create scoring opportunities by linking up with the forward for the Black Panthers.

Did you know?

• Mohammedan Sporting Club have scored the fewest goals in the league, with just five.
• Kerala Blasters have conceded the highest number of goals this season so far.
• Naocha Singh of Kerala Blasters ranks second in the league for the most successful tackles.

Telecast details

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 fixture between Kerala Blasters and Mohammedan SC will take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on 22 December. 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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