ISL 2018-19: Kerala Blasters FC vs Delhi Dynamos - 3 Players to look out for

The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi is once again set to be covered in yellow with home team Kerala Blasters taking on Delhi Dynamos in the second consecutive home match for two-time ISL runner-ups.

The Kerala Blasters have started off their season on a promising note with 4 points from their opening two matches with a victory and a draw while Delhi Dynamos are yet to win a single match this season having earned just a point from their opening two fixtures.

There are certain individuals in both the sides who are capable of turning the fixture in favour of their team, be it attacking wise or defensive wise. Let's take a look at 3 such individuals who are likely to play a key role in determining the result of this match.

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#3 Matej Poplatnik

The Slovenian goal machine has thus far impressed in his maiden Indian Super League venture with a debut goal in the match against ATK in Kolkata. Even though the striker failed to score in the second match, the 26-year-old was an integral part in the build-up to the Halicharan Narzary goal against Mumbai City FC.

The Slovenian is blessed with an impressive first touch that makes him a key member of the idea in which David James likes to play his team. The first match was a key indicator of this with Sandesh Jhingan and Lakic-Pekic trying numerous long balls to the forward line with the Slovenian controlling it mostly at the receiving end.

The Slovenian has so far stacked up impressive stats with 1 goal in his 4 shots on goal with an impressive goal conversion ratio of 25%. His passing accuracy has also been good considering the position in which he plays with an average of 34 passes per game along with a passing accuracy of 67.64% with a total of 68 completed passes.

#2 Lallianzuala Chhangte

The 21-year-old Chhangte (left) is yet to find the net this season [Image: ISL]

The 21-year-old is yet to kick-start his season, but few will doubt the talent this boy from Mizoram possesses after the winger lit up last season with 3 goals and 3 assists for Delhi in what was a poor season for the team from the capital of India.

David James' tactics of pushing the wing-backs forward are likely to give the dynamic winger acres of space. His ability to provide good crosses is also something that might trouble the Kerala Blasters' defence with their young custodian Dheeraj Singh showing some problems in handling crosses.

The young winger is yet to score a goal this season, a single shot and just 7 crosses in 2 matches is a very poor stat for the 21-year-old. He will be looking to change his fortunes in the match today though.

#1 Sandesh Jhingan

The rock at the back of the KBFC defence [Image: ISL]

The heart and soul of the Kerala Blasters, Sandesh Jhingan has been the mainstay at the centre of the Kerala defence since the formation of the club. The skipper is considered one of their own by the Manjappada and his safety first attitude makes him one of the best defenders in the league.

The 25-year-old defender comes into the match after leading the Indian team to an impressive draw against a much higher ranked China in China a couple of days back. The Chandigarh born was in impressive form for the team in blue as they kept the Red Dragons to a goalless draw.

On ISL front, Sandesh Jhingan has been impressive so far, earning the Hero of the Match award in the first home match for the Blasters against Mumbai FC. The brick wall in the Kerala Blasters defence has only been breached once with Jhingan and Lakic-Pesic forming an impressive centre-back pairing.

Jhingan's stats in this season clearly shows the defender's desire to keep the ball out of his net with 17 clearances, 2 blocks, 2 interceptions and 6 tackles along with a good positional sense this season. The skipper is also seen as a vital cog in attack for James with his ability to provide good long balls to the forward line. An average of 31.5 passes along with 74.6% passing accuracy and 104 touches in 2 matches is quite impressive for the lad from Chandigarh.