Preview: Winless SC East Bengal look to down buoyant Kerala Blasters

Both teams will have a lot to gain from a win in this match.

Bottom-placed SC East Bengal take on Kerala Blasters on Sunday, December 12, in the Indian Super League 2021-22 season. The only difference between the teams is that the Yellow Army were able to get their first win of the campaign against Odisha FC.

The Red and Gold, on the other hand, are still in search for the three points which have been slipping away from their grasp quite often now.

The Stakes

SC East Bengal

It has been the same story for the Kolkata-based team since the start of the new campaign. Poor defensive performances and ineffective starting XIs have been the core reasons behind their abysmal outings. Each passing game becomes a chance for them to be better and win the match to break some fresh ground. This time too, the fixture against the Blasters will be a good opportunity for Manolo Diaz’s men to put the past behind them.

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In their last match, they had multiple opportunities to clinch all three points, but their defensive problems started to show up once again. Against Chennaiyin FC, the team had shown great strength at the back, but their 4-3 loss against FC Goa brought them back to square one. This upcoming fixture is a good chance for Diaz and Co. to regroup at the back.

Kerala Blasters

For the Yellow Army, it can only get better from here. They were looking for their first win of the campaign, which they got against a good Odisha team. Playing against SC East Bengal and their current form should be an easy outing for Kerala Blasters, who would eye all three points.

The likes of Adrian Luna and Alvaro Vazquez can certainly prove to be a handful for SCEB’s leaky defence. The Men In Yellow have enough firepower to cause the opposition backline problems and they will be looking to do just that.

Team News

For East Bengal, captain Arindam Bhattacharya and midfielder Jackichand Singh are still out with injuries, while Kerala Blasters forward Rahul KP is still recovering from the groin injury, he suffered against ATK Mohun Bagan in the season opener. KBFC goalkeeper Albino Gomes is also out of this clash after hurting his knee against Odisha FC.

Head-to-Head

With SC East Bengal only making their ISL debut last season, Kerala Blasters and they have faced each other twice in the competition. Both games ended in 1-1 draws.

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Probable Lineups

SC East Bengal (4-4-2): Suvam Sen (GK); Joyner Lourenco, Adil Khan, Franjo Prce, Hira Mondal; Amarjit Singh, Amir Dervisevic, MD. Rafique Naorem Mahesh Singh; Antonio Perosevic, Daniel Chima.

Kerala Blasters (4-4-2): Prabhsukhan Singh Gill (GK); Harmanjot Khabra, Marko Leskovic, Enes Sipovic, Jessel Carneiro; Vincy Barretto, Jeakson Singh, L. Khawlhring (Puitea), Sahal Abdul Samad; Adrian Luna, Alvaro Vazquez.  

Man to Watch

Antonio Perosevic (SC East Bengal)

He was SC East Bengal's best man on the pitch against FC Goa. Perosevic contributed with two goals and was a constant threat on the ball. Despite having a clear chance to win it for his team, Perosevic fluffed his shot. He was also unlucky with the own goal.

Against Kerala Blasters, he will be given the responsibility to lead the line, either with Daniel Chima or with a midfielder. Perosevic will be pivotal in East Bengal’s attack and hopefully, the Croatian can be the difference for his team.

Adrian Luna (Kerala Blasters)

The midfielder has been nothing short of excellent so far this season. In the last match itself, he assisted both goals in Kerala Blasters' win against Odisha. He is something that SC East Bengal lack, a creative midfielder.

So far, he’s created five big chances and bagged three assists to his name. The Uruguayan can easily play the passes through the gaps left open by the East Bengal defence.

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Did You Know?

• SC East Bengal have conceded the most number of goals so far this season (14).
• Kerala Blasters had just two points at this point of the season last year.
• Both teams have drawn the same number of matches so far (2).

Telecast

The match between SC East Bengal and Kerala Blasters will be played at the Tilak Maidan in Vasco on December 12 (Sunday). The kick is set for 07:30 pm IST. The match will be telecast LIVE on Star Sports Network and is available for streaming LIVE in the Disney+Hotstar platform and the JioTV app.

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