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A clash between sixth placed Kerala Blasters and fourth placed Mumbai City FC ensures fireworks as both teams go head to head in Kochi. Kerala come into this match after a disappointing draw against Delhi Dynamos where they created as many as four clear goal scoring opportunities but failed to capitalize on their chances. Meanwhile, Mumbai ride on the back of a goalless draw against FC Goa, and flaunt a record of three consecutive clean sheets indicating their defensive prowess.
Venue and Kickoff
Although the audience dropped from 47,000 to 34,000 in Kerala's second home game, the intensity of support and cheer did not recede at all. The Keralites are one of the most vocal fans and have supported their team with drums and chants. They have not lost a single match at home and would be looking to build on this record. Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is expected to reach around thirty to thirty five thousand in stadium attendance.
Kickoff: 7PM IST
Probable Lineups
Kerala Blasters (4-4-2): David James; Nirmal Chhetri, Cedric Hengbart, Sandesh Jhinghan, Dey; Avinabo Bag, Stephen Pearson, Penn Orji, Ahmed Ishfaq; Iain Hume, Barisic.
Although the goalless draw against Delhi Dynamos did not give the hosts the much needed three points, it showcased a lot of positives from their style of play. Kerala Blasters are expected to stick to their same lineup, with David James starting in goal.
Sandesh Jhinghan who was started as a Centre Back against Delhi Dynamos is expected to play in the same position today alongside Cedric Hengbart and the left back role would be filled in by Dey. Nirmal Chhetri as always is expected to start in his right back position. Steven Pearson is once again expected to start alongside Penn Orji in the midfield and constitute a solid midfield pairing. While Pearson is expected to sit back and dictate play, Orji is expected to be deployed as a box to box midfielder.
Ahmed and Avinabo Bag are expected to slot in the left wing and right wing positions, respectively. Perhaps the strongest link in this Kerala side is their attack which comprises of the hardworking Iain Hume and Barisic. Both Hume and Barisic have stuck a chord and displayed signs of chemistry, the attacking duo constantly threatened Delhi's defensive pairing and created many goal scoring opportunities.
Mumbai City FC (4-4-1-1): Subrata Pal; Syed Nabi, Pavel Cmvos, Manuel Freidrich, Deepak Mondal; Subhash Singh, Jan Stohanzl, Letzelter, Lalrindika Ralte; Andre Mortiz, Nicolas Anelka.
Although Mumbai City ride on the back of a goalless and disappointing draw, Peter Reid’s side still boasts a defensive record of three consecutive clean sheets and would look to turn to their defence in this match. Subrata Pal, who has been the standout Indian goalkeeper alongside T.P Rehnesh of NorthEast United, is expected to start between the sticks. The solid centre back pairing of Manuel Friedrich and Pavel Cmvos is expected to start along side Deepak Mondal and skipper Syed Nabi, who will constitute the wingback positions.
With Subhash being converted and played as a right winger, Mumbai are expected to lineup in a 4-4-1-1 formation with Nicolas Anelka leading the line. Andre Moritz, is expected to operate behind the Frenchman and slip clever balls into his stride. While Jan Stohanzl and Letzelter would constitute the central midfield pairing. Lalrindika Ralte, is once again expected to start in his favored role as a left winger.
Key Battles
Sandesh Jhinghan vs Nicolas Anelka
The young Indian will face his toughest battle till date and probably stand tall as Jhinghan has been one of the few Indian talents which have impressed in the Super League. A physical battle is set to take place between the duo and this key battle could go on to decide the game.
Penn Orji vs Jan Stohanzl
Although Orji is known for his darting runs forward, linking midfield to attack, Orji can be a sly man-to-man defender too. The Nigerian who is known for his high work rate is expected to mark Jan Stohanzl and stop him from dictating play.
Prediction
Kerala Blasters 0-0 Mumbai City
While Kerala excel in attack, Mumbai have been resolute in defence. A goalless draw is expected to be played, with Kerala Blasters dominating proceedings and Mumbai City hitting on counterattacks.
