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

Published at :November 27, 2024 at 4:32 PM

Modified at :November 27, 2024 at 4:32 PM

The Tuskers are ready to host the Gaurs at home, with both sides hungry for three points.

Kerala Blasters are set to battle FC Goa in their next home game of Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi on November 28 (Thursday).

Last season, this fixture was a night of celebration for the home fans as Kochi witnessed their Tuskers pull off a thrilling late comeback to secure a 4-2 win against the Gaurs. Rowlin Borges gave Goa an early lead with a volley from the edge of the box. They quickly followed it up with another goal, as Mohammed Yasir slotted in an open chance brilliantly set up by Noah Sadaoui.

Daisuke Sakai pulled one back for the home team early in the second half with a deftly converted free kick from the edge of the box. The Blasters equalized late in the game when Diamantakos scored from the penalty spot after a handball by Carl McHugh.

The party started in Kochi as Diamantakos gave them the lead shortly after, capitalising on a fumble by Arshdeep Singh, who failed to deal with a harmless cross from Aimen in front of goal. The Blasters sealed the victory as Fedor Cernych fired a goal into the near post, putting the game to bed.

Stakes

Kerala Blasters

Kerala Blasters are back to winning ways after their dominant 3-0 victory against Chennaiyin FC in the Southern Derby. They will aim to follow up with another win to climb the table and maintain their momentum. The Blasters have been solid at home against the Gaurs in recent fixtures and will go all out for three points, with a fully packed stadium expected for the match.

FC Goa

FC Goa are in fine form, unbeaten in their last three games. They come into this fixture as the stronger side, after back-to-back victories against Bengaluru and Punjab. They are currently sixth in the table, and a win here, with a good margin, will take them to fourth place. The Gaurs have always had the upper hand against the Blasters. They will look to maintain their momentum with another win.

Kochi calling! See you all soon 📞🦬#FCGKBFC pic.twitter.com/2UrTOYxhK2
— FC Goa (@FCGoaOfficial) November 26, 2024

Injury and Team News

Kerala Blasters

There are no serious injury concerns in the Kerala Blasters camp. Prabir Das and Ishan Pandita are both returning to the bench after recovering from injury.

FC Goa

Rowlin Borges remains unavailable for selection for Goa due to injury.

Head-to-Head

Matches Played: 20

Kerala Blasters: 5 wins

FC Goa: 11 wins

Draws: 4

Predicted Lineups

Kerala Blasters 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

FC Goa (4-2-3-1)

Hritik Tiwari (GK); Akash Sangwan, Sandesh Jhingan, Odei Onaindia, Boris Singh; Ayush Chhetri, Sahil Tavora; Dejan Drazic, Iker Guarrotxena, Mohammed Yasir; Armando Sadiku

Players to Watch

Noah Sadaoui (Kerala Blasters)

Noah Sadaoui has been in formidable form for the Blasters throughout this season. The explosive winger has tallied four goals and three assists in seven appearances, averaging a goal contribution per game. Playing against his old club, Sadaoui will be looking for another exceptional performance in front of the home fans.

Milestone unlocked! 🔓5⃣0⃣ ISL games and counting for Noah Sadaoui, here’s to more goals, glory and greatness! 👏#KBFC #KeralaBlasters pic.twitter.com/OkaR5FZOxD
— Kerala Blasters FC (@KeralaBlasters) November 27, 2024

Armando Sadiku (FC Goa)

Armando Sadiku is already second in the race for the Golden Boot, with eight goals in seven appearances, along with an assist. The Albanian forward has been the main source of goals for the Gaurs up front, scoring in seven consecutive league games. The experienced striker will be a constant threat in the box, and the Blasters’ defense will need to be on their toes all night to try to keep him quiet.

Did you know?

Kerala Blasters are unbeaten at home against FC Goa in their last five league encounters.
FC Goa has scored in every game against Kerala Blasters since their first meeting in 2014, which remains the only occasion Kerala Blasters kept a clean sheet against them.
Kerala Blasters’ heaviest home defeat by margin in the league came against FC Goa, when they lost 5-1 in 2015.

Telecast details

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 fixture between Kerala Blasters and FC Goa will take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on 28 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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