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Match 54 of the Hero Indian Super League witness an exciting clash between two sides looking to wriggle their way into the semi-final berths - Kerala Blasters and FC Pune City. A win for either side would ensure safe passage into the next stage of the Super League, but a draw or a loss, could hamper their Super League endeavors. A ‘do or die’ match for both sides, Kerala Blasters and FC Pune City are expected to attack – from the first kick off the ball and grab all three points by force.
Venue and Kick-off
Kerala’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is arguably the best stadium in the Super League and given that the Stadium had an attendance of 61,000 last time around, there can be little doubt. The stadium is once again set to attract audiences and stadium attendance is expected to reach around 50,000. The Blasters fans have been more than proactive in their quest to support the teams, and have lauded Kerala’s play with cheers and beats of drums.
Kick-off Time: 7PM IST
Probable Line-Ups
Kerala Blasters (4-1-3-2): Sandip Nandy, Nirmal Chhetri, Cedric Hengbart, Gurwinder Singh, McAllister, Mehtab Hossain, Penn Orji, Stephen Pearson, Forcada, Iain Hume, Milagres Gonsalves
With a 0-0 draw against NorthEast United last time around, the David James managed franchisee, Kerala Blasters lie on equal points, sixteen, as their next opponents, FC Pune City. If Kerala Blasters are to ensure a way into the coveted semi-final berths, then ‘three points’ are of paramount importance.
Cedric Hengbart and Gurwinder Singh have formed an impressive defensive pairing at the heart of defense and would be looking to hold, the prolific Dudu. With Penn Orji and Mehtab Hossain returning back into the Blasters’s midfield, their ailing spirits would be rejuvenated. The tireless running of Penn Orji is bound to influence the game and his ability of linking midfield with defense, could be a key link in this match.
The rugged figure of Iain Hume alongside Milagres Gonsalves, is expected to lead the Kerala Blasters’s attack line. Known for his work rate and constant pressing, Hume could be pivotal in this match, as his pressing might prove to thwart FC Pune City’s defense aside.
FC Pune City (4-2-3-1): Arindam, Mehrajuddin Wadoo, Bruno Cirillo, Ravanan, Pritam Kotal, Kostas Katsouranis, Lenny Rodrigues, Jermaine Pennant, Park, Vadocz, Dudu
FC Pune City tasted a 1-0 defeat against Delhi Dynamos, in their previous encounter. Although coach Franco Colomba would be happy with his team’s performances ( excluding the Delhi match) and their miraculous turnaround, work is still left to be done. The David Trezeguet led franchisee lie sixth and only a win against Kerala Blasters would guarantee entry into the coveted semi-finals spot.
Dudu has been a key player in FC Pune City’s resurgence. The imposing striker has found the net often in his appearances, lately and has posed a threat to every Super League defense. With Pennant and Park on the wings, Dudu relishes on the services of these two prolific wingers, while relies on Vadocz for feeding him balls into the opponent’s 18 yard area.
Kostas and Lenny have been standout performers for the Hrithik Roshan co-owned side. Both, Kostas and Lenny have formed an impressive midfield pairing and would expect to govern and dominate Kerala Blasters.
Key Battles
Mehtab Hossain vs Lenny Rodriguez
Both Mehtab Hossain and Lenny Rodriguez have been an integral part of the Indian National Team setup. The dynamic midfielders will face each other and would look to nullify each others influences on the match.
Bruno Cirillo vs Iain Hume
Bruno Cirillo has been one of the standout performers in the Hrithik Roshan co-owned franchisee. His tactical know how and crunching tackles are unparalleled in the Super League. An enticing and exciting physical battle is expected to rage between Bruno and Hume as both players use their physical prowess.
Predictions
Kerala Blasters are expected to dominate this fixture against FC Pune City. Infused with home supports, the Blasters could score as early as – in the first ten minutes of the match. FC Pune City are expected to sit back and rely on their counter attack, capitalizing on the fast pace of wingers Jermaine Pennant and Park.
Kerala Blasters 2 – FC Pune City 1
