Kerala Blasters vs Odisha: Preview and Prediction
Kerala Blasters are in search of their first win this season and will take on an in-form Odisha in their next Indian Super League clash. The Blasters have not had a good start to their new campaign failing to win any of their first three matches. However, it is still early days in this competition and they have plenty of time to rectify their mistakes.
On the other hand, Odisha has learned from their past mistakes and has had a bright start to their campaign. The Kalinga Warriors were underwhelming last season, but under the leadership of new manager Kiko Ramirez, they have the look of a completely different team, boasting of a very fluid attack that has scored nine goals in only two matches and will look to continue that trend against a struggling Kerala Blasters side.
How have they done so far?
Kerala Blasters featured in the curtain-raiser of this season, where they suffered a 4-2 defeat against ATK Mohun Bagan. Ivan Vukomanovic’s men put up a more resilient show against NorthEast United but failed to seal all three points and had to settle for a 0-0 draw while they got a 1-1 draw in the Southern Derby against Bengaluru.
Odisha started with a 3-1 win against Bengaluru, playing like a well-oiled machine straight from the onset. Former ATK Mohun Bagan man Javi Hernandez has been their creator-in-chief, whereas the Spanish defensive duo of Hector Rodas and Victor Mongil has also proven their mettle in the little time. Ramirez’s men mashed SC East Bengal 6-4 in a 10-goal thriller in their previous outing.
Head to Head Record
Ever since the club was rechristened as Odisha, both the teams have crossed paths four times in the Indian Super League, out of which three matches have ended in stalemates. In the only game which produced a winner, the Juggernauts triumphed over the Tuskers by a 4-2 margin.
Team News
Aridai Cabrera can be handed a start in this game
Given that they did not look disoriented in their last fixture against Bengaluru, Vukomanovic might roll out the same starting XI. Young winger Vincy Barretto impressed everyone on his debut against NorthEast United but could not replicate the same against the Blues. Though the Tuskers have an alternative option in Prasath Karuthadathkuni, Barretto is likely to retain his place. Another Indian youngster in Rahul KP is still out as he is yet to recover from the injury that he suffered early on in the season.
On the other hand, Ramirez is spoiled for choices. He started with Javi Hernandez as a makeshift centre-forward against the Red and Golds and his team still managed to find the back of the net a ridiculous six times. For this game, the former Sabadell manager could try either Aridai Cabrera or Jonathas de Jesus upfront, switching Hernandez back to midfield.
Predicted Starting Lineups
Kerala Blasters (4-4-2): Albino Gomes; Harmanjot Khabra, Mario Leskovic, Enes Sipovic, Jessel Carneiro; Vincy Barretto, Lalthathanga Khawlhring, Jeakson Singh, Sahal Abdul Samad; Adrian Luna, Jorge Pereyra Diaz.
Odisha (4-2-3-1): Kamaljit Singh; Hendry Antonay, Victor Mongil, Hector Rodas, Lalruatthara; Vinit Rai, Thoiba Singh; Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Javi Hernandez, Nandhakumar Sekar; Aridai Cabrera.
Prediction
Odisha has been threatening in transitional plays as players like Hernandez, Nandhakumar Sekar and Jerry Mawihmingthanga can accelerate with the ball, creating havoc in defenses. On the contrary, Vukomanovic’s team might have defended a lot better in the last couple of matches, but his attackers are yet to find their goal-scoring boots.
Considering the sublime quality of foreign players alongside the talented young Indians Ramirez has at his disposal, it will be a tough task for Kerala Blasters to keep them at bay. Hence, we predict a 3-1 scoreline in favor of Odisha.