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The playoffs of the 2023-24 ISL season is set to begin with an exciting clash, as Odisha FC host Kerala Blasters FC at the Kalinga Stadium on Friday, April 19.
Both teams enjoyed strong starts to the season, contending for the top position in the standings. However, their momentum has waned towards the end of the year, resulting in Odisha finishing fourth and Kerala finishing fifth.
Odisha went on a 13-game unbeaten streak in the ISL, but have encountered difficulties in the last two months. They have only managed to secure one victory in their last seven games across all competitions, with their recent 3-0 defeat to NorthEast United FC further piling on their misery.
Notwithstanding the recent results, head coach Sergio Lobera maintained optimism regarding his side’s chances but remained cautious of the threat posed by the Blasters.
"We need to put the focus on tomorrow’s game against a very good team, Kerala Blasters. It won’t be easy, but we are playing at the Kalinga Stadium, and hopefully, we can reach the semi-finals and play against the best team in India at this moment, Mohun Bagan SG," he said at the pre-match press conference.
"It’s an advantage for us to play at home, but we need to be ready to play for the full 90 minutes. We need to be ready for extra time. We need to be ready for penalties."
Meanwhile, it’s been a year to forget for Kerala Blasters, as they have succumbed to seven defeats in their last nine games. Nothing seems to be going their way, at the moment, as they arrive into the playoffs in poor form.
However, a 3-1 victory over Hyderabad FC in their last league game would have provided some bit of confidence, while the news of Adrian Luna potentially returning to the knockout rounds is further good news for the side from Kerala.
Speaking to the media, Ivan Vukomanovic revealed that his side will give it their all despite all their injury troubles.
"(They are) one of the best teams in the league. I think that it was the team who was the most consistent throughout the whole season, without, let’s say, dangerous injuries. They were one of the teams who were consistent with the full squad of foreigners throughout the whole year," he said.
"For us as a team, it’s kind of, you know, we get a great motivation to get out and fight with the best weapon you have and try to win the game.”
Odisha FC vs Kerala Blasters FC: Head-to-head record
Matches played: 22
OFC wins: 6
KBFC wins: 9
Draws: 7
Result in the previous fixture: Odisha FC 2-1 Kerala Blasters FC
Odisha FC vs Kerala Blasters FC: Top goalscorers in the 2023-24 ISL season
Odisha FC: Roy Krishna (12 goals in 22 games)
Kerala Blasters FC: Dimitrios Diamantakos (13 in 17 games)
Odisha FC vs Kerala Blasters FC: Stats and numbers from the 2023-24 Indian Super League season
Most saves: Amrinder Singh (64), Sachin Suresh (34)
Most assists: Amey Ranawade (6), Adrian Luna (4)
Most shots per 90: Diego Mauricio (3.0), Ishan Pandita (3.2)
Most clearances: Mourtada Fall (73), Milos Drincic (75)
