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Key Fact
The Kerala Blasters have never beaten Mumbai City FC in the ISL and have yet to score against the Mumbai outfit in three games between them. Their last game away to Mumbai City FC finished in a 1-0 loss.
Key Battles
Sony Norde vs Rahul Bheke
Sony Norde has been Mumbai City FC’s most influential player on the pitch and given them a new dimension in attack. Mumbai City FC sorely missed him in the three games that he missed as they failed to get on the score sheet. However, Sony Norde is back to start again for Mumbai City FC and will be looking to inspire Mumbai City FC to a win.
Sony Norde will be up against local boy Rahul Bheke who has spent all his life playing in Mumbai and may enjoy some support from the Mumbai faithful. The fullback is the only Indian player to have played every single minute of this ISL season and has been in very good form this season.
He, however, will be up against the most dangerous wingers in the ISL and his battle against Sony Norde could prove to be decisive in the game.
Josu vs Cristian Bustos
Josu has been a phenomenon in the Kerala Blasters midfield and the La Masia graduate has been at the heart of everything which the Kerala Blasters have created. Once again, Kerala Blasters will rely on him to produce the goods for Dagnall and German upfront as the Blasters look to keep their hopes of a semi-final place alive.
Cristian Bustos will be tasked with keeping Josu at bay and the Spaniard has been in terrific form in the last few games. Bustos has easily been Mumbai City FC’s best player in the last month and has done a great job shielding the defence.
Having shipped in nine goals in their last two games, Bustos will play a key role in providing protection to that fragile defence against one of the strongest attacks in the ISL.
Predictions
Mumbai City FC 3-1 Kerala Blasters
The return of Sony Norde and home advantage is likely to work in favour of Mumbai City FC and with a leaky defence, the Kerala Blasters will find the Mumbai City FC attack too hot to handle.
