ISL-4: Kerala Blasters, Chennaiyin FC fight for playoff spots and pride in southern derby!

Kerala Blasters FC host Chennaiyin FC in Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Friday. The two-time finalists are thriving on the resurgence brought in by David James and are unbeaten in their last four fixtures having won three of those games. A victory over Chennai would bring them within touching distance of the playoffs as they gear up for what’s set to be another electrifying southern derby. The 2015 Hero ISL champions, on the other hand, have picked up five points from the last possible 12 and although they have been one of the more consistent teams, Chennai will be wary of the fact that a playoff berth is yet to be sealed. In what promises to be another fiercely contested derby, Chennaiyin will want to fire on all cylinders and secure top four status with a win.

HEAD TO HEAD

Kerala Blasters FC 2 – 4 Chennaiyin FC (3 Draws)

KEY PLAYERS

Dimitar Berbatov (Kerala Blasters FC)

The Bulgarian has had an injury-prone season, but of late has shown much of the class that he is renowned for. A clinical finisher and very technically gifted, Berbatov inspires the Kerala frontline to surge forward with intent. He has a goal to his name and will look to make an impact against Chennaiyin from a deeper midfield role.

Raphael Augusto (Chennaiyin FC)

The Brazilian has anchored his team’s midfield in a classy manner for some time now. A strong player, Augusto loves surging forward with the ball through the middle as well as the flanks. He is capable of testing the opposition goalkeeper and has an eye for goal. An excellent passer of the ball, the Brazilian also has two goals and an assist to his name this season.

POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUPS

Kerala Blasters FC

David James is likely to use a regular 4-4-2 formation as the Blasters look for balance between attack and defence.

Goalkeeper: Subhasish Roy

Defenders: Lalruatthara, Wes Brown, Nemanja Lakic-Pesic, Rino Anto

Midfielders: Courage Pekuson, Dimitar Berbatov, Milan Singh, Jackichand Singh

Forwards: Gudjon Baldvinsson, CK Vineeth

Kerala head coach on his team’s approach for their last two games: “We expect Chennaiyin to try and win the game to get over the line. As for ourselves, we have to win. Six points is all we can go for. I think we are in a scenario where we may get the six points, and it still would not matter. But the same thing always comes up: we need six points.”

Chennaiyin FC

John Gregory may use a 4-2-3-1 formation, which will depend on service from the wide areas and midfield for the striker.

Goalkeeper: Karanjit Singh

Defenders: Inigo Calderon, Sanjay Balmuchu, Henrique Sereno, Jerry Lalrinzuala

Midfielders: Dhanpal Ganesh, Anirudh Thapa, Raphael Augusto, Rene Mihelic, Gregory Nelson

Forward: Jeje Lalpekhlua

Chennaiyin head coach on the cons of being ahead of the pack: “The hardest thing is being up front. It is easier when you are coming from behind; then nothing is expected. But if somebody was to put together a few results, the teams above them would start to drop points. But this is football. That is how things pan out. And when you are out there at the front, you are the one everybody is trying to bring back.”

KEY STATS

Kerala’s wins against Chennaiyin have come at Kochi
The Blasters have the maximum number of draws this season (6)
Both teams have lost the least number of times this season (4)

PREVIOUS ENCOUNTER

Chennaiyin FC 1 – 1 Kerala Blasters FC (22nd December 2017 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai)

FORM GUIDE

Kerala Blasters FC: W D W W L

Chennaiyin FC: D W D L W