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After an entire year of simmering in the heartbreak of a chaotic encounter in the playoffs in the previous ISL season, Kerala Blasters are back into the fray of the knockout phase of the 2023-24 season. The Ivan Vukomanovic-coached outfit will collide against Sergio Lobera's Odisha FC at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on April 19.
The Juggernauts finished the regular season in the fourth position with 39 points from their 22 outings. Lobera's team came into the season with renewed aspirations and were in the running for the Shield for the majority of the season. However, after losing their momentum at the backend of the competition, Odisha had to settle for a spot behind the likes of Mohun Bagan SG, Mumbai City, and FC Goa.
Meanwhile, the Yellow Army settled for a fifth position in the standings with 33 points. Although they ended up in the knockout spots, Kerala suffered seven defeats in their last 10 matches after the AFC Cup break. But for the Blasters the major boost will be the return of Adrian Luna, who Vukomanovic said "cannot play 90 minutes, but probably we will see Adrian Luna on the pitch after a long time."
The winner of the fixture will face Mohun Bagan SG in the first semi-final that will span over two legs.
Odisha FC vs Kerala Blasters FC: Match details
Match: Odisha FC vs Kerala Blasters, ISL 2023-24 Playoffs.
Venue: Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar.
Date: Friday, April 19, at 7.30 pm IST.
Odisha FC vs Kerala Blasters FC: Probable lineups
Odisha FC: Amrinder Singh (GK), Amey Ranawade, Mourtada Fall, Carlos Delgado, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Ahmed Jahouh, Puitea, Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Princeton Rebello, Isak Vanlalruatfela, and Diego Mauricio.
Kerala Blasters FC: Lara Sharma (GK), Sandeep Singh, Hormipam Ruviah, Milos Drincic, Mohammed Azhar, Rahul KP, Vibin Mohanan, Jeakson Thaunaojam, Daisuke Sakai, Fedor Cernych, and Dimitrios Diamantakos.
Odisha FC vs Kerala Blasters FC: Telecast details
The ISL playoff clash between Odisha FC and Kerala Blasters FC will be broadcast live on Sports18 and VH1 in India. It can also be live-streamed on the JioCinema app on Friday, April 19, from 7.30 pm IST.
