ISL 2023-24: Odisha FC vs Kerala Blasters FC: Preview, Predicted lineup, injury news, H2H, telecast details

The winner of this clash will face Mohun Bagan in the semi-final.

Odisha FC will host Kerala Blasters FC in an exciting Indian Super League (ISL) playoff clash, with the winner set to meet league champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the playoff semifinals. After an exciting league phase, it’s time for the race to the semi-final as both teams eye a place in the semis. Odisha FC are surely the favourite in this match as they will play at their home and will have a psychological advantage over their opponents.

After trophyless campaigns in his first two seasons, Ivan Vukomanovic — now in his third year as Kerala coach — will want to finally lead the club to their maiden title. As the Kochi-based side have not been up to the mark away from home this season, they will need to prepare for this fixture very well as Sergio Lobera’s side are very good at their home.

The Stakes

Odisha FC

Odisha will have the home advantage for this match, but they will face a very tough challenge from Blasters. The winner of this fixture will go on to face the League Shield winners Mohun Bagan in the semis. Odisha doesn’t have any injury concerns and will have a full-strength squad available for the clash.

Last time even after qualifying for the playoffs, the Juggernauts were not able to make it to the semifinals. Sergio Lobera’s team have not been the same after the international break as they have suffered some surprising defeats in their recent matches. They will be keen to make the most of the home advantage.

Kerala Blasters FC

The Blasters started the season very well but were hit by a big injury crisis as many of their crucial players were not available for most of the season. They have been inconsistent this season and their record away from home has been poor.

Kerala will face a very tough Odisha side, who will be playing in front of their fans, and will have to be at their best to beat the Juggernauts. A controversial goal and the subsequent result knocked them out of semi-final contention last season, but Kerala Blasters will hope to go the distance this season.

Predicted Lineups

Odisha FC (4-2-3-1)

Amrinder Singh (GK), Amey Ranawade, Mourtada Fall, Carlos Delgado, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Ahmed Jahouh, Puitea, Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Princeton Rebello, Isak Vanlalruatfela, Diego Mauricio

Kerala Blasters FC (4-4-2)

Lara Sharma (GK), Sandeep Singh, Hormipam Ruviah, Milos Drincic, Mohammed Azhar, Rahul KP, Vibin Mohanan, Jeakson Thaunaojam, Daisuke Sakai, Fedor Cernych, Dimitrios Diamantakos

Players to Watch

Ahmed Jahouh (Odisha FC)

He is the key player in the midfield for the Juggernauts as he dictates the tempo and intensity of the game, Jahouh has the unique ability to control the midfield and is clever on the ball. He is great at passing the long diagonal balls to the winger and very rarely makes any mistakes. He is tall and physically robust, but he is also good in defensive actions as he often drops deep to play as a centre-back to build up the play.

Milos Drincic (Kerala Blasters)

His commanding and tall presence proves to be very valuable when it comes to defending crosses into the box, where he utilizes his imposing stature to great effect. He demonstrates remarkable reliability in intercepting long balls, effectively halting the opposition’s attempts to advance by disrupting their efforts to play along and win headers.

Even under pressure from the opponents, he refrains from hurried clearances, opting instead to seek out teammates with precise passes.

Team and Injury News

The home team will have all the players available for this match and there are no injury concerns for the Juggernauts.

Sachin Suresh and Peprah are out for this season and Adrian Luna is back in training most probably he will play as a substitute in this match and Naocha Singh is suspended for this match.

Head-to-Head

Matches Played – 23

Odisha FC wins – 9

Kerala Blasters wins – 7

Draws – 7

Do you Know?

• The most common result between Odisha FC and Kerala Blasters FC when Odisha is playing at home is 2-1. A total of matches has ended with this result.
• The winner of their last meeting was Odisha FC.
• Kerala Blasters FC have conceded a goal in each of their last 13 matches.

Telecast for Odisha FC vs Kerala Blasters FC in ISL

The Odisha vs Kerala Blasters game kicks off at 07:30 PM (IST), at Kalinga Stadium Bhubaneswar on 19th April 2024. The live telecast of the fixture will be available on Sports18 Network (Sports18 1/VH1 Channel). Live streaming of the game will be available on the JioCinema app. Viewers from abroad can use OneFootball to stream the game.

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