When the two teams last met during the first half of the current season, Odisha FC was beaten by 1-2 goals. The only goal for the Juggernauts was scored by Nikhil Raj and that too, towards the closing stages of the game.
A lot has changed after that game. Odisha FC was out of form for a couple of games but now after a thrilling win against Mumbai City FC, the Kalinga Warriors are back on track. They have let go their captain and India international Vinit Rai and Jerry Mawihmingthanga has now got the band after Vinit’s departure to the Mumbai City FC camp.
On the other hand, Ivan Vukomanović and his boys have put up some wonderful performances in the competition. Out of the 10 games that they have played, they have won four, drawn five and lost only one game. Alvaro Vazquez had scored a goal in the 42nd minute in their last outing against Hyderabad FC and they went on to top the table with 17 points – same with Mumbai City FC who has played one game more.
Players like Jerry, Jonathas De Jesus, Aridai Cabrera had starred for Odisha FC in the previous game where they triumphed against the Islanders. Head Coach Kiko Ramirez must be expecting something similar against the Kerala Blasters and would want others to take a leaf out of their book and put up a delightful show for the fans back home in Odisha.