ISL 2018-19: Kerala Blasters vs Jamshedpur: A pre-match report
Kerala Blasters will be hosting Jamshedpur tonight in their Indian Super League encounter, and the match will be a tough challenge for both parties for more than one reason. Blasters have won just one match so far, and will be raring to give Jamshedpur a run for their money, fuelled further by the great support they receive at home. Here is the match preview.
How are the two teams shaping up for the match?
Kerala will be lining up in the 4-2-3-1 formation with Poplatnik as their striker, and it seems highly possible that CK Vineeth will find himself back in the squad. Slavisa Stojanovik, however, is unavailable owing to an injury. Besides Gourav Mukhi's suspension, Jamshedpur players Raju Gaikwad and Sergio Cidoncha are out with an injury. Raju Yumnam is doubtful. Jamshedpur are expected to use a 4-2-3-1 formation as well.
Who are the key players for the two teams?
Poplatnik and Narzary are two forwards who can lead Kerala to their second win of the season. Krcmarevic will also be important in intercepting balls and not allowing Jamshedpur to create disturbance in the attacking third. Michael Soosairaj is a standout performer for Jamshedpur, having netted three goals in the competition so far. Jamshedpur will try to create attacks from the wings.
Probable line-ups and TV listing
Kerala Blasters: Dheeraj; Ruatthara, Jhingan, Lakic-Pesic, Kali; Krcmarevic, Samad; Vineeth, Keziron, Narzary; Poplatnik. Jamshedpur FC: Subrata; Gurung, Pratik, Tiri, Jairu; Memo, Arques; Farukh, Calvo, Soosairaj; Cahill. The match is scheduled to kick-off at 7:30 PM, and can be watched on the Star Sports network or live-streamed on Hotstar.
Which team has the greater chances tonight?
Kerala desperately need a win after collecting only eight points from nine matches. They drew their last match against Chennaiyin, which was preceded by three losses, and thus have seen a resentment building among their fans. It seems like Jamshedpur, being much better in both attack and defense, might cause David James' team problems that could be insurmountable.
How is the league shaping up?
Bengaluru, the only unbeaten team this season, are now topping the league table with 22 points after eight matches, and still have a game at hand. They are four points ahead of second-placed NorthEast United. Jamshedpur, who made their debut last season, look promising in the fifth spot, and if they win tonight, can join NorthEast as the second-placed teams.
