ISL 2018-19- Kerala Blasters vs Chennaiyin FC: Preview and prediction
Kerala Blasters will play hosts to Chennaiyin FC in their return fixture of the Indian Super League. While the hosts are currently second-last on the league table with 11 points from 15 matches, Chennaiyin, the defending champions are having a nightmarish season. Chennaiyin are last with only eight points and two wins in 15 matches. Here we bring to you a detailed match preview.
Are Kerala ready for the encounter?
Kerala Blasters have hardly shown the intensity, they are known for, in this ISL season, and look like a mere shadow of their former selves. However, they did show some promise in their match against Bengaluru, holding the table-toppers to a 2-2 draw. Anas Edathodika will not be able to take part in the action tomorrow owing to an injury.
How are Chennaiyin FC looking ahead of the encounter?
Chennai have gone straight from the top to the absolute bottom within a few months, having managed to win two matches in this entire season. Despite spending large amounts to buy star players, Chennaiyin have lost 11 matches of their 15 this season. Chris Herd has been their new signing. He has so far impressed with his performances in the defensive mid-field.
Who will be the key players in the match?
Keziron Kizito and Courage Pekuson will be important players for Kerala in the mid-field. Pekuson had even managed to score a goal against Bengaluru. Kerala's main hope will be Sandesh Jhingan, who would try to stop Chennaiyin forwards from scoring goals. For Chennaiyin, striker CK Vineeth and Jeje Lalpekhlua will be the key players in the fixture tomorrow.
Predicted line-up and TV listing
Kerala Blasters: Dheeraj Singh, Rakip, Jhingan, Lakic-Pesic, Pritam Singh, Samad, Kizito, Pekuson, Doungel, Poplatnik, Stojanovic. Chennaiyin FC: Karanjit Singh, Renthlei, Ralte, Sabia, Tondonba Singh, Herd, Augusto, Fernandes, Nelson, Vineeth, Lalpekhlua. The match is scheduled to kick-off from 7:30 PM and can be seen on the Star Sports network and also live-streamed on Hotstar and Jio TV.
How can the match turn out to be tomorrow?
Both teams have been unimpressive throughout the season, and none has looked promising. Thus it is difficult to presume how the two teams will perform tomorrow. However, considering the superior performance Kerala managed to put up against Bengaluru, the odds are slightly tilted towards their side. We predict the match to go 1-0 in Kerala's favor.
What should be the ideal Fantasy XI for the encounter?
Choose Karanjit Singh as the goal-keeper while keeping a 4-3-3 formation in mind. Jhingan and Sabia can serve as center-backs while Renthlei and Rakip take up the roles of right and left backs respectively. Samad, Augusto, and Kizito can serve as the mid-fielders while Vineeth, Poplatnik, and Lalpekhlua play as forwards.
