Kerala Blasters FC vs Mumbai City FC Preview - Lineups, Team News | ISL 2026-27
Kerala Blasters will host Mumbai City FC in Kochi on 25th October.
The action in the 2026-27 Indian Super League (ISL) continues as Kerala Blasters FC prepare to host Mumbai City FC in their first home game of the season on October 25. As the yellow army is back at their den, the clash will prove to be one to watch out for.
The match presents an important opportunity for Ashley Westwood’s side to bounce back after their disappointing 4-1 defeat against NorthEast United FC. Mumbai, meanwhile, will also be looking to respond after starting their campaign with a defeat against Churchill Brothers and a last-minute draw against Punjab FC.
With both teams searching for their first positive result after a difficult outing, the contest could be an important early test for both sides.
The Stakes
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Kerala Blasters FC
For Kerala Blasters, the priority will be to put the NorthEast United defeat behind them. The Blasters struggled defensively in Guwahati, and their inability to deal with quick attacks cost them dearly. Westwood will be hoping to see a much more organized performance from his players, especially with the team playing in front of their home supporters.
Nebojsa Kosovic and Adrian Luna could be important in helping Kerala control possession and move the ball forward especially when they were ripped off in shape by NorthEast United in the last game. Korou Singh’s and Mohammed Sanan’s pace and direct running can create problems for Mumbai’s defense.
Momo Yansané will be key to convert any chance that could come on goal against a resilient Mumbai defense with Andre Green will be looking to make an impact in the final third. The Blasters have attacking quality, but they need to be more clinical and avoid the defensive mistakes that proved costly in their previous match.
Mumbai City FC
Mumbai City FC will play their 3rd game under their new head coach Manolo Marquez, who will be looking to establish his ideas and get the team moving in the right direction. Despite their opening defeat and a draw, Mumbai have enough quality to trouble Kerala. They will look to use their attacking options and control the midfield, while also being careful not to leave too much space for the Blasters’ wingers.
The Islanders have strengthened their squad with players like Wilmar Jordán Gil, who unfortunately suffered an injury last game, and Sergio Llamas who was previously with Inter Kashi. Indian players such as Brandon Fernandes, Akash Mishra and Farukh Choudhary will be key to winning, as they made significant impact in the last 2 games for the Manolo’s side.
A positive result away from home would give them a much-needed boost for the Spanish tactician and company, as they prepare a long season with fresh faces and names.
Team News
For Kerala Blasters FC, apart from already informed Bikash Yumnan, no one else is reported to be injured out.
Mumbai City’s final lineup will be changed as their star starter Vikram Pratap and talisman Wilmar Jordan had knocks last game which may possibly make them unavailable for the game against the Blasters.
Predicted Lineups
Kerala Blasters FC (4-3-3):
Arsh Anwar (GK), Naocha Singh, Aiban Dohling, James Bolton, Hormipam Ruivah, Nebojsa Kosovic, Freddy Lallawmawma, Vibin Mohanan, Adrian Luna, Korou Singh, Momo Yansané.
Mumbai City FC (4-2-3-1):
T P Rehenesh (GK), Akash Mishra, Carlos Delgado, Lazar Cirkovic, Valpuia, Bawitlung, Sergio Lllamas, Brandon Fernandes, Leandro Otormin, Noufal P N, Farukh Chaudhary
These are indicative predictions, not confirmed team selections.
Players to watch out for
Momo Yansané (Kerala Blasters FC)
Momo Yansané will be an important player for Kerala Blasters FC against Mumbai City FC. He will be looking to build on his goal against NorthEast United FC, with his physical presence, movement and ability to find spaces inside the box offering Kerala a threat in attack.
He will need all the support he can get from players such as Korou Singh. Their combination could give the Blasters a different dimension in the final third, with Korou looking to create opportunities from wide areas and Yansane aiming to make the most of them in front of goal. If both players can deliver, they could play a key role in helping Kerala bounce back at home.
Sergio Llamas (Mumbai City FC)
Sergio Llamas has been one of the most important players for the Islanders so far this season. Llamas brings creativity and composure in midfield, with his passing and ability to link up play potentially helping Mumbai create chances and control the tempo of the game.
Llamas is not only a defensive anchor in the midfield for Mumbai, but is also a great supplier of chances to the wingers & forwards of Mumbai City FC. If Llamas can supply the forwards with quality passes and at the same time help out the defense, he could be the reason that Mumbai secure a win in Kochi.
What to expect from the game.
The match could come down to which team manages the midfield and defensive transitions better specifically the one who finishes the chances they get. Mumbai will look to take advantage of Kerala’s defensive weaknesses, while the Blasters will hope to use their attacking pace to put the visitors under pressure.
For Westwood, this is an opportunity to show that the team can learn from its mistakes and respond with a more disciplined performance. Better defensive organisation, improved finishing and stronger communication will be essential if Kerala are to secure their first home win of the campaign.
When and where to watch the match?
The ISL 2026-27 fixture between Kerala Blasters FC and Mumbai City FC will take place on Sunday, October 25, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi. The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 PM IST.
The match will be shown live on Sony Ten 2 and Sony Ten 2 HD and will be available to stream digitally for free on YouTube.
When will Kerala Blasters FC play against Mumbai City FC in the 2026-27 ISL?
Kerala Blasters FC will host Mumbai City FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Sunday, October 25.
What position are Mumbai City FC on the ISL points table?
Mumbai City FC currently sit 9th on the ISL points table, with 1 point, 1 draw, 1 loss & a goal difference of -1.
What position are Kerala Blasters FC on the ISL points table?
Kerala Blasters FC currently sit 6th on the ISL points table, with 3 points, 1 win, 1 loss & a goal difference of -1.
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