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With new boss Terry Phelan at the helm of proceedings, Kerala Blasters will host Atletico de Kolkata in a bid to turn their miserable campaign around in match number 34 of the Hero Indian Super League. The Blasters sit rock bottom of the standings with just 8 points from 8 games while Atletico are sixth in the table with 10 points.
Kerala convincingly brushed aside FC Pune City 2-0 in their last fixture, while Atletico de Kolkata shockingly fell 1-0 to NorthEast. An exciting 90 minutes awaits when the clubs representing the traditional powerhouses of Indian football go to battle in a repeat encounter of last year’s final at the Kaloor International Stadium, Kochi.
Kickoff Time and Live Telecast
Live Telecast: Star Sports 2 and 3, Star Sports HD2 and HD3, Asianet Movies (Malayalam)
Live Stream: starsports.com
Date and Time: Tuesday, 10 November 2015 – 19:00 IST
Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kaloor, Kochi
Team News
Kerala Blasters will go into this fixture without Sandesh Jhingan and Cavin Lobo; both of whom have national team duties to attend to, as India prepare to face Guam in the World Cup qualifiers at Bengaluru. Another player likely to miss the fixture is Spanish midfielder Pulga who is still recovering from injury. However, Kerala will welcome back Bruno Perone returning from suspension following his sending off against Chennaiyin.
Atletico de Kolkata will be without the services of Arnab Mondal and Augustine Fernandes as the defenders are also a part of the 25-member Indian national team camp. Javi Lara and Josemi, who are injured, will sit this one out. Marquee signing Helder Postiga may not be rushed into action despite having recovered from his injury and is doubtful.
“We have had three very important players injured. It’s too much of a problem for the team. I have confidence in my players and we have to work every day.” – Atletico boss Antonio Habas
Predicted Lineups
Kerala Blasters (4-4-2): Stephen Bywater, Rahul Bheke, Peter Ramage, Bruno Perone, Saumik Dey, Josu, Ishfaq Ahmed, Joao Coimbra, Mehtab Hossain, Mohammed Rafi, Chris Dagnall
Atletico de Kolkata (4-2-3-1): Amrinder Singh, Ofentse Nato, Tiri, Denzil Franco, Rino Anto, Jamie Gavilan, Jewel Raja, Borja Fernandez, Sameehg Doutie, Mohammed Rafique, Iain Hume
Key Battles
Mohammed Rafi vs Tiri
33-year old Mohammed Rafi has been the go-to man for goals this season for Kerala Blasters. The centre-forward has scored 4 goals; all coming off his head and has had an impressive campaign so far. The in-form centre-forward is sure to keep Atletico centre-back Tiri busy all night with his excellent work rate and movement off the ball.
The Spanish centre-back is known for his ‘no-nonsense’ and zero tolerance defending and will give Rafi a run for his money. There will be a number of aerial duels to look forward to when the two tall figures go into battle.
Iain Hume vs Peter Ramage
When Kerala Blasters’ former frontman Iain Hume returns to his old hunting ground, he will have to cross paths with Kerala’s skipper Peter Ramage. Hume has been a success in both the ISL seasons as he has consistently impressed where ever he has played.
The Canadian, who has 3 goals this season, may prove to be a handful for Peter Ramage who has only two clean sheets under his belt. Ramage will be wary of Hume’s work ethic and good finishing and will have to be at his best to keep Hume silent.
Prediction
Kerala Blasters have adopted a fresh tactical approach under new boss Terry Phelan and, backed by the massive home support, they might just edge this one against an Atletico de Kolkata side who are low on confidence and have significant absentees.
Predicted score: Kerala Blasters 2-1 Atletico de Kolkata
